A gum biopsy is a surgery in which a small piece of gingival (gum) tissue is removed for examination.
A painkiller is sprayed into the mouth in the area of the abnormal gum tissue. In some cases, a numbing injection may be used. A small piece of the gum tissue that appears abnormal is removed and checked for problems in the laboratory.
There is no special preparation, although you may be told not to eat for a few hours before the biopsy.
The topical anesthetic should numb the area during the procedure, although some tugging or pressure may be felt. If there is bleeding, the blood vessels may be sealed off with an electric current or laser. This is called electrocauterization. After the numbness wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.
This test is done to determine the cause of abnormal gum tissue.
This test is only performed when there is an abnormality.
Avoid brushing the biopsy area for 1 week.
Biopsy - gingiva (gums)
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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