Biopsy
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Procedure time
15 minutes
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Full Recovery
2 weeks
What is the treatment?
A biopsy is a simple operation where a small piece of tissue is removed from an area. This can be looked at closely under a microscope.
There are two types of biopsy: An excisional biopsy removes the whole area. This is usually carried out for small lumps or swellings. Further treatment may not be necessary.
An incisional biopsy involves removing a small piece of the abnormal area. This is carried out to confirm what something is. Then we can decide on the best treatment.
Most biopsies are carried out with local anaesthetic (a numbing injection into the area). The injection takes a couple of minutes to work. The biopsy should be painless.
We operate on a dentist referral basis only.
Please speak to your dentist about getting referred to this clinic.
Any discomfort should only last a few days.
- There may be a little bleeding at the time of the biopsy. However, this usually stops very quickly.
- Should the biopsy site bleed again when you get home this can usually be stopped by applying pressure over the area for at least 20 minutes. It is best to use a damp, rolled up, linen handkerchief or swab. If the bleeding does not stop quickly you should contact the clinic.
- Since there is only minimal discomfort afterwards, most people feel able to return to work later the same day.
- Be careful not to bite the area that has been numbed.
- On the day of surgery, you should avoid rinsing your mouth out vigorously as this may cause bleeding. You should clean your teeth as normal. Include those teeth next to the site of the biopsy.
- If you find that food catches around the stitches then the area can be gently rinsed with a mouthwash or warm salt water. Start the mouthwashes on the day after surgery.