Soft Tissue Dental Biopsy With Laser
Whether you notice a lesion on the inside of mouth, such as on your cheeks or gums, or your dentist notices such a lesion during a standard dental examination, a dental biopsy may be recommended to determine its cause. Hearing that you are in need of a biopsy may be frightening, which is why Westgate Smiles endeavors to ensure that you know everything about the dental biopsy procedure, why it may be recommended, and what you can expect.
Why Might Your Dentist Recommend A Biopsy?
Typically, your dentist will recommend a biopsy in situations where the cause of the lesion cannot be diagnosed through a basic examination and your personal medical history. In some situations, your dentist will require a waiting period before performing the dental biopsy. This can help you get a diagnosis without undergoing the procedure if the lesion goes away on its own. Be sure to contact your dentist about the potential of a dental biopsy in situations where:
A new lesion appears and does not go away for more than two weeks
A lesion on your gums or cheek is causing pain
The lesion cannot be explained through ordinary means
The lesion is accompanied by other issues such as swelling or loose teeth
What To Expect During The Procedure
We perform soft tissue biopsies with a laser at Westgate Smiles to provide our patients with the best possible care. Expect to speak with your dentist about the lesion you have experienced or for your dentist to explain why he will be performing this biopsy after your examination. The biopsy will be completed under a local anesthetic, and typically does not take any longer than having any other dental procedure. Results for your biopsy will typically come back within one or two weeks, at which point you will have a follow up visit at our office to discuss the results and, if needed, discuss what will need to be done for further oral health care. While this process may be frightening, we seek to make it as comfortable a process as possible for our patients.