Biopsy Specialists

Biopsy services offered in Verona and Westfield, NJ

Unusual lesions in the mouth that won’t go away could be more than just an inconvenience. With dental biopsies at Dental Specialists of New Jersey in Verona and Westfield, New Jersey, dentists Shalom Mintz, DDS, MS, and Louis Galiano, DMD, can diagnose or rule out oral cancer as the cause of lesions, ulcers, and other gum problems in the mouth. Call Dental Specialists of New Jersey to schedule an appointment.

Biopsy Q & A

What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is a tissue sample that a medical or dental surgeon collects from you for testing in a lab. A dental biopsy takes tissue from the mouth, such as gum tissue, that appears abnormal. Also called a gingival biopsy, a dental biopsy can lead to a diagnosis or rule out possible causes of unusual growths or lesions on the gum tissue.

There are a few different types of gingival biopsy, including:

Incisional biopsies

Incisional biopsies are the most common type. Your dentist at Dental Specialists of New Jersey cuts out a sample of gum tissue from your mouth and sends it to a lab for close examination.

Excisional biopsies

Excisional biopsies involve the removal of an entire growth or lesion on the gums. Your dentist also removes a thin margin of healthy tissue around the growth and sends it to a lab for testing.

When do I need a biopsy?

There are a few signs and symptoms that could indicate your need for a biopsy at Dental Specialists of New Jersey. The team examines your mouth and asks you about any symptoms that have occurred. They may recommend a biopsy to diagnose the underlying cause of:

Gum ulcers
Red or white patches on the gums
Gum swelling that doesn’t go away
Gum changes that lead to loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures

You may or may not experience discomfort alongside these issues. The team might also use imaging tests such as dental X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans for a deeper look into the gums for signs of cancer.

How should I prepare for a biopsy?

You won’t need to do much to prepare for your biopsy at Dental Specialists of New Jersey ahead of time. The team encourages you to bring in a list of any current medications that you take and herbal supplements you use consistently. They may advise you to stop taking certain medications.

Does a biopsy hurt?

The Dental Specialists of New Jersey team makes sure you’re comfortable during a biopsy by providing local anesthesia, or if desired, general anesthesia.

For more information on dental biopsies and what to expect, reserve an appointment over the phone at Dental Specialists of New Jersey today