Oral Biopsy

Dr. Pallavi Rakesh will perform a biopsy to diagnose gum disease or other dental conditions, such as oral cancer. If you have questions or concerns about oral biopsies in Alpharetta, Georgia, we invite you to contact Ace Dentistry Family Dental & Cosmetic Dentist at 678-562-1555 for more information and make an appointment with our experienced dentist.

A gum biopsy, or gingival biopsy, is a medical procedure in which our dentist will remove a sample of gum tissue from your mouth, and send it to a lab for analysis. Gum biopsy tests for abnormal or suspicious gum tissue, and is used to diagnose:

• Sores or lesions on your gums that last longer than two weeks
• White or red patches on your gums
• Ulcers on your gums
• Swelling in your gums that does not go away
• Changes in your gums that may be causing you to have loose teeth or dentures

Gum biopsies are often used alongside imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.

When you receive a gum biopsy, our dentist will sterilize the gum tissue, and then inject or spray a local anesthesia to numb the area. If the location of the biopsy is hard to reach, you may receive a general anesthesia to help you sleep through the procedure, allowing our dentist to move around your mouth and reach difficult areas without causing any pain. After your biopsy, the numbness in your gums will gradually wear off, and you can resume your normal activities and diet. Your biopsy site may be sore for a few days, and our dentist may ask that you avoid brushing around the site for a few days. If your gums bleed, swell, or remain sore for extended periods of time, please contact our office.

The tissue sample taken during your biopsy will be analyzed in a lab for any abnormal results. If your biopsy shows gum cancer or another condition, our dentist will create a treatment plan to help restore you to oral health as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions about gum biopsy, we invite you to contact our office and make an appointment with our gentle dentist.