Why Do I Need Oral Surgery for a Biopsy?

The term oral surgery describes procedures as commonplace as wisdom tooth extraction, as complex as a bone graft and every surgical procedure in between. What this variety of surgical procedures have in common is that they happen in or around the mouth. By this definition, does a biopsy fall under the umbrella of oral surgery?

When does an oral biopsy qualify as an oral surgery?

A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that involves the extraction of a tissue sample, which is then used to check for growth abnormalities. The site of an oral biopsy varies, depending on where the dentist finds a lump, growth or lesion. A dentist will modify their biopsy technique depending on the location or formation of worrisome tissue. If the dentist finds a lesion on the gums, the procedure for acquiring the sample will be pretty straightforward.

If the abnormality is in a sensitive part of the mouth, the biopsy procedure may require a higher level of precision. This may entail oral surgery. By learning about the different biopsy techniques, you should be able to point out the types of biopsy that need oral surgery.

4 Different biopsy techniques

There are four main biopsy techniques that are in use in the medical profession. A dentist or doctor will always try to use the least invasive technique that they can, but circumstances may require a different approach. Here are the different types of biopsy.

1. Incisional biopsy

This type of biopsy only requires a dentist or doctor to extract a small sample from the abnormality. The dentist or doctor will administer local anesthetic and remove a small tissue sample from the growth or lesion. They will then suture the biopsy site and send the sample for testing.

2. Excisional biopsy

A dentist or doctor will perform this type of biopsy on a small, easily accessible growth or lump. They will remove the entire abnormality, suture the biopsy site and test the sample. This procedure also happens under local anesthesia, making it painless.

3. Percutaneous biopsy

This type of biopsy involves the insertion of a biopsy needle through the skin and into the target tissue. The biopsy needle then isolates and sucks out a tissue sample. There are two kinds of biopsy needles: A fine needle that takes samples from small, easily accessible lumps and lesions, and a large-bore needle that takes a larger tissue sample from an abnormality that is located some distance from the skin.

4. Brush biopsy

This is a non-invasive procedure that involves scraping the surface of an abnormality to acquire a cell sample.

Which type of biopsy requires oral surgery?

It depends on the type and location of a particular growth or lesion. Some abnormalities occur deep below the surface. Such a growth or lesion may happen close to connective tissue or a nerve, so oral surgery is needed to safely acquire the sample while minimizing the risk of complications.

On the other hand, a simple procedure like a brush biopsy may not need oral surgery at all.

Your oral health is a high priority

Do not ignore a stubborn sore, lesion or lump. Contact us to schedule an oral checkup and find out how your mouth is really doing. If oral surgery becomes an option, our qualified team of dentists will provide the excellent care that you deserve.

Request an appointment here: https://www.adchutto.com or call Advanced Dental Care of Hutto at 512-368-7939 for an appointment in our Hutto office.

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Call our Hutto dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.