At Atrium Dental, we prioritize your oral health by offering comprehensive services, including oral biopsies. If you have concerns about abnormal areas in your mouth, our experienced team is here to provide accurate oral cancer screening in Phoenix. Understanding an oral biopsy procedure, techniques, and dental biopsy cost can help you feel more at ease with the process.
What is a Biopsy Test?
Let’s start with the biopsy dental definition. A biopsy test is an oral cancer screening. This test involves removing a small tissue sample from your mouth to examine it under a microscope. The biopsy test for cancer helps detect any abnormalities or diseases, including cancer, infections, and other conditions. The CPT code for an oral biopsy is typically 40490.
Why Would a Dentist Order a Biopsy?
Let’s see why a biopsy test is done. A dentist might order a biopsy for several reasons:
- Unexplained sores or growths in your mouth.
- Sores that do not heal over time.
- Unusual changes in color or texture of your oral tissues.
- To verify the presence of conditions such as oral cancer, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
Oral Biopsy Types
Oral biopsy techniques cater to various types, each serving specific purposes:
In this method, we remove a small section of your abnormal tissue for examination. We typically use it when the lesion is large and only a sample is needed to make a diagnosis.
This type involves the complete removal of the lesion. We perform it to serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, especially useful for smaller lesions where the entire abnormal area can be removed and examined.
We use a small, circular dental biopsy instrument and extract a sample of tissue. We often use it for easily accessible areas in the mouth, and it is ideal for taking uniform tissue samples.
It is a non-invasive technique where we collect cells from the surface of the lesion using a brush. This method is useful for oral cancer screening purposes and can detect abnormalities in the epithelial cells of the oral mucosa.
What is the Most Common Biopsy in Dentistry?
The most common type of biopsy in the oral cavity is the incisional biopsy. It’s frequently used because it allows our dentists to sample a part of the lesion and provides enough tissue for an accurate diagnosis.
Dental Biopsy Procedure
At Atrium Dental, the oral biopsy procedure in Phoenix, Arizona includes several steps:
- Come to our office and fill out a dental biopsy consent form.
- We will go over your health history and check the area in your mouth. We might also take some X-rays to get a better look at the issue.
- You’ll likely get local anesthesia to numb the area. For a more involved procedure, you might become sedated.
- We collect the samples:
- For a small section or the whole lesion, our dentists typically use a scalpel to remove either a small part or all of the area.
- For a less invasive option, our dentists use a special brush to gently collect cells from the lesion’s surface.
- Using a punch tool is another option. This method takes a round piece of tissue and captures deeper layers as well.
- Using a needle is for then a thin needle extracts cells or fluid from swollen areas.
- We preserve the sample and send it off to a lab where experts look at it under a microscope.
- You’ll get oral biopsy recovery and aftercare instructions on how to care for the oral cancer screening site, avoid the signs of infection after oral biopsy, and speed up healing.
- You will likely get your oral biopsy results in a couple of weeks. Our dentists will tell you about the findings and discuss any further treatment you might need.
Do They Stitch You after a Biopsy?
Yes, stitches are sometimes necessary to close the biopsy site, especially if a larger tissue sample is taken. Typically, 1-3 oral biopsy stitches are common for smaller biopsy sites. The number of stitches depends on the size of the biopsy area.
How Long Does a Biopsy Take to Do?
How long do mouth biopsy results take depends on your case. Your oral cancer biopsy test typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. For more complex cases or harder-to-reach areas, Your oral cancer screening may take up to 45 minutes. On the other hand, simple biopsies can sometimes be completed in as little as 10 minutes.
If the Biopsy is Negative, Can It Still Be Cancer?
No, if the result of your oral cancer screening is negative, it generally means there is no cancer. However, it could indicate other conditions that might need treatment, such as infections, benign tumors, inflammatory conditions, or autoimmune diseases.
Oral Biopsy Recovery Time
The oral biopsy healing time can vary depending on how long the procedure has been performed. It is:
- 1 to 2 days for initial pain and swelling to go away.
- 1 to 2 weeks for a significant reduction in pain and swelling and noticeable healing.
- 4 to 6 weeks for complete recovery. It includes full tissue regeneration and stabilization.
Oral Biopsy Aftercare
Oral biopsy healing is affected by how much you adhere to aftercare tips. You need these tips to biopsy side effects. Therefore, you must:
- Eat soft, cool foods to prevent irritation.
- Rinse with a saline solution as recommended.
- Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Attend all scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing.
How Much Does an Oral Biopsy Cost?
The oral biopsy cost can vary widely. For specific biopsy test prices personalized for your case, you can contact Atrium Dental online in Phoenix, Arizona or call us directly at (480) 906-3655. We’ll be happy to provide detailed information.
Is Oral Biopsy Covered by Medical Insurance?
Yes, the mouth biopsy cost is often covered by medical insurance. The insurance companies typically cover 50-80% of the cost, depending on their policies and medical necessity. It’s important to check with you to understand your coverage details and any out-of-pocket costs you might incur.
Does Medicare Pay for Oral Biopsy?
Yes, Medicare can cover an oral brush biopsy cost if it’s considered medically necessary. Medicare usually covers 80% of the procedure cost after deductibles are met. Our staff at Atrium Dental can assist you ensure you receive the benefits available under your plan.
How Painful is an Oral Biopsy?
During the procedure, you will feel minimal to no pain. We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely (pain level: 0/10). After the biopsy, mild to moderate pain may occur as the anesthesia wears off. Most people rate this discomfort around 3 to 5 out of 10. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help manage it well. This soreness typically lasts 3 to 5 days as the area starts healing.
Are Biopsies only for Cancer?
No, oral biopsies are not just for cancer. Dentists use them to identify infections, benign tumors, chronic mouth sores, and autoimmune disorders. They also help us learn more about any unusual growth or lesion, allowing us to create a precise treatment plan. By examining a small sample, we can determine if further treatment is needed or if the area is safe to leave alone.
What Percentage of Oral Biopsies Are Cancer?
Only about 10-15% of oral biopsies reveal cancer. Most biopsies show benign (non-cancerous) results. Dentists often perform biopsies to check for any suspicious areas, but the majority of these tests confirm harmless conditions.
What to Eat After an Oral Biopsy?
After an oral biopsy, choose soft, mild foods to help the area heal and reduce discomfort. Good options include applesauce, yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. Stay away from hot, spicy, or crunchy foods, as they can irritate the biopsy site. Cold items, like ice cream or chilled applesauce, may help soothe the area and reduce swelling. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, but no straws.
Oral Biopsy Near Me in Phoenix, Arizona
If you need an oral biopsy or have concerns about your oral health, Atrium Dental is here to help. Dr. Foroughi of Atrium Dental in Phoenix, Arizona, offers the best and most affordable Biopsy services. To discuss your dentistry options with an expert team of dentists, schedule a consultation session at (480) 906-3655 and fill out our online appointment form.
FAQs
A biopsy can verify the presence of cancer, but additional tests are required to determine the stage.
No, local anesthesia is typically used, so you will be awake during the procedure.
Most patients experience minimal downtime, typically resuming normal activities within a day.
No, biopsy results usually take a few days to a week to process and analyze.
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Had a biopsy done, and they ensured I was well-informed and comfortable throughout the process. Quick and efficient.