There are two types of biopsy: incisional and excisional. An incisional biopsy removes a piece of tissue from a lesion. It is a sampling. An excisional biopsy removes the entire lesion.
The type of biopsy performed depends on many factors. For example, if the lesion is small and your dentist suspects that it is not cancerous (benign), an excisional biopsy may be done. However, if the lesion is large or there is concern that it may be cancerous (malignant), an incisional biopsy is likely.
If you need a bone biopsy, you will need X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan before the surgery. In adults, an oral biopsy is usually done in an office under local anesthesia while the patient is fully awake.
Return to your dentist in one or two weeks for a follow-up visit. That's usually when you'll get the results of the biopsy.
There is a very small risk that the biopsy area will become infected after surgery. The mouth contains thousands of bacteria, so most surgeons will use antibacterial rinses, antibiotics or both to help control infection.
During the surgery itself, there is a small risk that the surgeon will damage a nerve or blood vessel. X-rays and your surgeon's knowledge of anatomy help minimize this risk.
