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A biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small part of tissue from a damaged area in order to examine it under a microscope and reach diagnosis.
A biopsy may involve the complete removal of the damaged area (excision-biopsy). This is preferred when the damage is limited. When the damaged area is larger, only a portion is removed (insicional-biopsy). Local anaesthesia is usually used and the procedure lasts a few minutes. The operation requires stiches. There is a possibility of a limited postoperative oedema which will gradually resolve.
Make sure not to bite the numb areas in your mouth. Do not rinse your mouth so as to avoid hemorrhage. As of the next day you may start using an antiseptic mouthwash.
The diagnosis of damage in the mouth is done clinically and with the use of X-rays, based on the symptoms of the patient. The patient is often asymptomatic, which means that clinical examination alone cannot yield a diagnosis of alterations in the gum or the jaw. In these cases, X-rays are of paramount importance. They enable the dentist to detect damage in the oral cavity, deal with it immediately and prevent acute pain.
As in all medical specialties, so too in dentistry, prevention is a very important factor for the maintenance of oral health. In oral health prevention involves proper nutrition and oral hygiene, as well as regular check-ups/cleanings at the dental clinic.
As far as nutrition is concerned, avoiding sugar and carbohydrates is advisable. When talking of oral hygiene, we are referring to tooth-brushing at least every morning and night. Additionally, you may use dental floss or interdental brushes. Finally, regular check-ups and cleanings at the dental clinic are of major importance as calculus (tartar) cannot be removed by brushing at home.
For children, it is also advised to use sealants. They cover the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars with a thin paste so as to prevent or slow down the development of caries.
