Is an Unusual Area in Your Mouth Causing Concern?
If you have noticed a sore, lump, patch, or other area in your mouth that is not healing, don’t wait to have it evaluated. New patients can schedule a consultation with Dr. Karapetian by calling Washington Periodontics.
Call Now (571) 569-7540
During your visit, we will examine the area, explain whether a biopsy is recommended, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your care with compassion and precision.
What is a tissue biopsy?
An oral biopsy is the best way to diagnose abnormalities in your mouth. It involves taking a small sample of the suspicious area for laboratory analysis. This process allows the dental pathologist to examine the tissue under a microscope to establish signs of infection, inflammation, or even precancerous or cancerous cells. A biopsy provides crucial information to our doctor to inform your treatment options.
What can I expect from the procedure?
After examining your gums, the doctor will rinse your mouth with an antibacterial solution and then administer local anesthetics to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. She will then remove a small sample from your gums and send it to a lab for analysis. Depending on the amount of tissue removed, stitches may be necessary.
After treatment, your mouth may feel numb until the anesthetics wear off. Until then, avoid chewing or consuming hot substances. Otherwise, you may burn or bite your tongue and cheeks. The biopsy site may feel sore for a few days, but this will improve over time. Avoid brushing that area until the soreness fades. Talk to our office if bleeding, swelling, or soreness doesn’t improve after a few days.
Once the doctor receives the sample analysis, we’ll create a treatment plan to restore your oral health. Sometimes, we refer you to other medical specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
What is considered an abnormality?
Dr. Karapetian will recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnoses of the following abnormalities.
- Lesions or sores that persist for two weeks
- Red or white patches in your oral cavity
- Abnormal swelling or bumps in the gums or mouth lining
- Voice changes or painful swallowing
- Spontaneous bleeding
- Burning sensation
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your periodontist. While many oral abnormalities may be harmless, a professional must evaluate them to rule out any serious conditions. Early detection is vital in addressing any potential issues, especially when it comes to oral cancer or other severe conditions. If the pathological analysis shows the abnormality is benign, you can sigh relief and continue with regular monitoring. On the other hand, if it indicates a more serious problem, prompt treatment can significantly improve prognosis.
Do you need an oral biopsy?
For more information about dental biopsies in Burka, VA, call (571) 569-7540 to talk to Washington Periodontics. Our team is here to provide expert care and ensure peace of mind throughout the procedure.
