Biopsy in Dentistry: Procedure, Types, and Its Importance in Diagnosis
What is a biopsy in dentistry?
A biopsy is a procedure in which a tissue sample is taken from the oral cavity for histopathological analysis. It allows for the detection of diseases that cannot be diagnosed by clinical examination alone.
The main reasons for performing an oral biopsy include:
✔️ Persistent ulcerative lesions that do not heal in 2-3 weeks
✔️ White patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia) with no apparent cause
✔️ Abnormal growths or tumors on the gums, tongue, or oral mucosa
✔️ Chronic traumatic lesions that do not respond to conventional treatments
Types of biopsy in dentistry
🔹 Incisional biopsy: A portion of the lesion is removed for analysis, recommended when the lesion is extensive or difficult to completely excise
🔹 Excisional biopsy: The entire lesion, along with surrounding healthy tissue, is removed, indicated for small lesions
🔹 Punch biopsy: A sample is obtained with a thick needle without the need for surgery
🔹 Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): Used to analyze cystic or tumorous lesions
Process of performing an oral biopsy
1️⃣ Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the lesion
2️⃣ Application of local anesthesia to prevent discomfort
3️⃣ Tissue removal with a scalpel or specialized needle
4️⃣ Placement of sutures if necessary
5️⃣ Sending the sample to the laboratory for histopathological analysis
Possible biopsy results
✔️ Benign lesion: No additional treatment required
✔️ Premalignant lesion: May require monitoring or surgical treatment
✔️ Malignant lesion: Requires specialized oncological management
Post-operative care after an oral biopsy
✔️ Avoid hot and spicy foods in the first 24 hours
✔️ Do not rinse vigorously to avoid bleeding
✔️ Apply ice to the area to reduce inflammation
✔️ Take analgesics prescribed by the dentist
Conclusion
Biopsy in dentistry is a key tool for the early diagnosis of oral diseases. It allows for the identification of potentially dangerous lesions and the establishment of timely treatment, improving the patient's prognosis.
Legal Notice and Disclaimer
This article is part of ONAK's Dictionary of Medical Terms and is for informational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a dentist or oral pathologist.
Bibliography
- Neville, B. W., Damm, D. D., Allen, C. M. "Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology." Elsevier, 2015. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25012590/
- Speight, P. M., Takata, T. "Biopsy and histopathological diagnosis of oral premalignant and malignant lesions." J Oral Pathol Med. 2018; 47(7): 632-638. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29637524/
