Q&A: Helping You Feel A-OK About A Biopsy

We know that scheduling a biopsy for your oral health can cause you to feel uneasy. We know, as well, that you might have a lot of questions running through your mind. So many, in fact, that you might hesitate to schedule this necessary visit. As a result, we would love to answer the frequent questions we receive from patients, so you recognize that there’s no reason to feel anything but relaxed at the thought of protecting your oral health.

Questions and Answers

Question: If I need a biopsy does that mean that something is definitely wrong with my oral health?

Answer: Nope. It just means that we cannot definitively determine why a change has occurred in your mouth’s lining without the help of a lab. So, we need a sample of those cells for a final answer. It could be nothing at all!

Question: Is a biopsy going to be an uncomfortable experience? I know that I should come in to see you when you suggest something like this but I feel anxious.

Answer: Not at all. We know it doesn’t sound thrilling but it’s quick and comfortable. Thanks to the application of a local anesthetic, you won’t feel a thing (though sometimes no incision is required, so a quick, gentle scrape is all we need).

Question: I feel like the only person in the world who needs a biopsy. Is this something that you rarely have to perform on patients?

Answer: While a lot of people might not talk about biopsies, that does not mean it’s not common. As a matter of fact, about 10 percent of people deal with abnormalities in their mouths, for which a small sample of cells becomes necessary for an accurate diagnosis. You are not alone! This procedure is very common.