Short Description
The removal of a small sample of oral tissue to test for disease, such as cancer or infections.
Long Description
A biopsy in dentistry is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the mouth for laboratory examination. It’s used to diagnose abnormalities such as lesions, tumors, sores, or unusual gum growths that don’t heal on their own.
The collected tissue is sent to a pathology lab, where specialists examine it under a microscope to determine whether it is benign, precancerous, or cancerous, or to diagnose infections and autoimmune conditions.
Biopsies are usually quick, performed with local anesthesia, and result in minimal discomfort. They are a crucial tool for early detection of serious conditions like oral cancer, and timely results can lead to more effective treatment options.