Oral medicine and biopsy
Assessment of ulcers, lumps, and white or red patches in the mouth.
Oral medicine is the area of dentistry concerned with the health of the mouth and the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the oral region. We assess and take biopsies, and refer to specialists in oral medicine and pathology where needed.
It's not just about teeth and gums
As part of your dental check-up, your dentist looks for changes in your cheeks, tongue, the roof of your mouth, your lips and the other soft tissues in your mouth.
What's normal?
Normal can look quite different from person to person, but the tissues in the mouth can change. Swellings, white areas, red areas, ulcers and pigmented areas can develop, often without you noticing. Some of these areas need treatment, but first we need to confirm exactly what they are by taking a small sample (a biopsy).
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is the removal of an area of tissue we have concerns about, either all of it or a small piece, so it can be sent to a laboratory and examined under a microscope. It is usually done under local anaesthetic.
Why have a biopsy?
Once the sample has been examined under a microscope, we can identify exactly what it is, make a diagnosis and plan any management or treatment.
Talk to us about your treatment
Most patients are referred by their dentist or doctor. If you have a question about a referral or your appointment, call us and we'll help.