Excision of Mouth Lesion/Biopsy

You will have been told during your initial appointment whether we intend to remove the whole lesion (usually only appropriate for small lumps or swellings) or just a small piece of it. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.

 The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic (a small injection in the mouth or face to numb the area). It may be necessary to carry out the procedure with you sedated or under a general anaesthetic. If this is the case, this will have been discussed with you during your initial appointment.

If you have had a local anaesthetic, you will be able to return home straight after your appointment.

If you have had a general anaesthetic or sedation, you will be able to go home the same day but you must arrange for someone to drive you.

For the first 24 hours:

• Someone should stay with you until the general anaesthetic has worn off.
• Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any potentially dangerous activities (like cooking) until you have fully recovered feeling, movement and co-ordination.
• Do not sign any legal documents or drink alcohol.

Discomfort

You are likely to feel some discomfort, but this is easily dealt with by taking regular pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Do not excess the recommended daily dose.

Swelling and bruising

Expect to have mild swelling at the procedure site. The swelling will probably be at its most noticeable one to two days after the operation.

 Bleeding

Although there may be some bleeding at the time of the biopsy this usually stops very quickly. Should the area bleed again, apply some pressure for 10 minutes with a clean handkerchief or strong kitchen roll. If the bleeding will not stop then contact your dentist or dial 111 if it is out of hours.

 Stitches

We generally use dissolvable stitches. If not, you will be asked to make an appointment at your GP surgery to have the stitches removed.

24 hours following your procedure you can start rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water (dissolve a teaspoon of kitchen salt in a cup of warm water). Do this for three days after meals.

Brushing your teeth

You can brush your teeth as normal but be careful of any stitches.

Eating and drinking

Your mouth may be a little numb so do not eat or drink anything too hot or cold until feeling returns.

Infection

If you are concerned about infection, have prolonged pain and swelling and the area is looking red and inflamed then contact your dentist or dial 111 if it is out of hours.

 Returning to work

You can usually return to work the same day if the procedure has been carried out under local anaesthetic. If you have had sedation or a general anaesthetic, you will need a day or two off to allow the drugs to leave your system.

Follow-up

This appointment will be to check everything is healing well and to let you know the result of the biopsy taken. You may have been offered the option to receive your results by post. If so, you will be given a letter with specific details before you leave the clinic.