What to Expect During and After Your Oral Biopsy

Hearing the word “biopsy” at a dental appointment can feel surprising, especially if you weren’t expecting to need one. But in most cases, an oral biopsy is a quick, minor procedure that provides important answers about changes in your gum or mouth tissue.

If you’ve noticed unusual spots, sores that won’t heal, or changes in your gum tissue, Dr. Jenny Herman and her team may recommend a biopsy to determine the cause. 

Take a moment and learn what you can expect during and after your oral biopsy here at Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Why you might need an oral biopsy

Before we review the steps of a biopsy, let’s talk about why you might need one. Dr. Herman may recommend a biopsy if you experience:

• Lesions or unusual growths on your gums
• White or red patches
• Open sores that don’t heal
• Persistent gum swelling
• Tissue discoloration
• Ongoing mouth discomfort

Most oral changes aren’t cancerous. Some common benign lesions include herpes simplex virus (types 1 and 2), canker sores, and thrush (white patches). 

Oral squamous carcinoma accounts for 90% of all oral cancerous lesions detected. Risk factors for oral squamous carcinoma include excess ultraviolet (UV) exposure, suppressed immune system, tobacco use, and HPV infection.

Regardless, identifying the cause allows Dr. Herman to recommend the appropriate treatment. Not to mention, knowing what’s causing your symptoms can give you peace of mind. 

In some cases, imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may also be recommended to gather additional information.

What happens during the procedure?

An oral biopsy is typically performed in our office. First, Dr. Herman numbs the treatment area with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Once the area is fully numb, she takes a small tissue sample for evaluation. 

There are different types of biopsies, depending on the situation:

Excisional biopsy

Before your excisional biopsy, Dr. Herman administers a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

During the procedure, she removes the entire lesion and a small margin of surrounding tissue. If a larger tissue sample is taken, stitches may be placed to promote proper healing.

Incisional biopsy

During an incisional biopsy, only part of the suspicious area is removed for analysis. Just like excisional biopsies, you’re numbed first. Any large incisions may be sutured afterward.

Brush biopsy

This is a noninvasive technique. During a brush biopsy, Dr. Herman uses a specialized medical brush to collect surface cells for examination. She swaps the lesion for the brush and then sends the collected cells for testing.

The procedure itself is usually brief.

What to expect after your biopsy

Most people experience mild tenderness at the biopsy site for a few days. Swelling or slight bleeding may occur initially, but it typically resolves quickly.

To support your post-biospy healing:

• Take medications as directed
• Avoid vigorous brushing near the biopsy site
• Stick to soft foods if the area feels sensitive
• Follow any specific care instructions provided

There is generally no downtime, and most people return to normal activities the same day.

When will you get your results?

The tissue sample is carefully examined under a microscope or sent to a specialized lab. Once results are available, Dr. Herman reviews them with you and discusses next steps, if needed.

If treatment is required, your team will guide you through your options with a personalized plan. 

Don’t ignore changes in your mouth

If you’ve noticed changes in your gums or mouth, don’t wait for your next cleaning to talk about it. Schedule an appointment with Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants and get the answers you need.

You can call Dr. Herman at 225-769-1444 or click here to request an appointment online today.