Thanks, I pray there is a logical explanation for this. It definately isn't dried blood. I guess black was too vague a description. It is darkish, definatley part of the tissue. It wasn't there last trip to the dentist. I will see the dentist tomorrow. Tried to jump past him and see an oral surgeon earlier in the week and they told me to wait until I had seen the dentist. I won't call them again. I feel like I am wasting time. Waited to see the dentist, then find an ENT, then wait for biopsy, then wait for results. I had a melanoma insitu on my neck 7 yrs ago. I had no idea what it was and was too naive to be scared. I know better after reading this board for the last ten days. Wish me luck. And thank you