Oral Biopsy
Dentist Kent WA
During a biopsy, a little bit of tissue is taken from the affected area so that it may be examined under a microscope closely.
What is a biopsy?
During a biopsy, a little bit of tissue is taken from the affected area so that it may be examined under a microscope closely. The biopsy may seek to totally eliminate a target area (an excision biopsy). Typically, only minor bumps or swells should be treated with this. On occasion, a diagnosis is confirmed by removing just a little portion of an aberrant area (an incisional biopsy).
How is it done?
Most often, local anesthesia is used during biopsies (an injection into the area to numb it). The painless biopsy is made possible by the injection, which takes a few minutes to take effect. Typically, the biopsy creates a small hole that needs to be stitched. The majority of the time, the stitches used dissolve over the course of about two weeks. The entire procedure, including the local anesthetic injection, biopsy, and stitching, often lasts 15 minutes.
Is there much soreness or swelling afterwards?
There is not much discomfort or swelling left when the local anesthetic wears off after a few hours. Sometimes it’s necessary to take basic painkillers (eg Paracetamol, Nurofen). Any discomfort often disappears after a few days.
Will there be much bleeding?
If the biopsy site continues to bleed after you get home, it can usually be stopped by applying pressure over the area for at least 10 minutes with a rolled-up handkerchief or swab. Although there may be a little bleeding at the time of the biopsy, this usually stops very quickly and is unlikely to be a problem if the wound is stitched. Please get in touch with the your oral medicine specialist at Seablue Dental if the bleeding does not cease.
Are there any things I should do when I get home?
Be careful not to bite your mouth’s numb spots. Avoid excessively cleaning your mouth the day before surgery as this could result in bleeding. Regular dental hygiene should be practiced, especially cleaning the teeth that are close to the biopsy site. Starting the day following surgery, you can gently rinse the region with mouthwash or warm salt water (dissolve a teaspoon of household salt in a cup of warm water) if you discover that food catches around the stitches.
