Dentist Decatur

At Decatur Family Dentistry, we understand that sometimes a closer look is necessary to ensure your oral health. An oral biopsy involves the collection of tissue samples from abnormal areas within the mouth, which are then sent to a specialized lab for thorough examination. This procedure becomes essential when traditional diagnostic methods—such as visual examinations, X-rays, and symptoms—cannot provide a definitive diagnosis.

Unveiling Oral Health Insights: Common Diseases Tested

Dr. Hammond meticulously tests for various oral diseases, including:

• Oral Cancer: A growth or persistent sore in the mouth affecting areas like the lips, tongue, cheeks, and more. Early detection is vital for effective treatment, as oral cancer often advances before symptoms manifest.
• Leukoplakia: Characterized by thickened, white patches on gums, cheeks, or tongue.
• Lichen Planus: An inflammatory condition presenting as white, lacy patches, sores, or red, swollen tissues inside the mouth. Monitoring is crucial to prevent potential progression to oral cancer.
• Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: An autoimmune disease causing oral lesions on various mucous membranes.
• Pregnancy Tumors: Raised nodules that can be painless or uncomfortable.
• Systemic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and heart disease can manifest with oral abnormalities.

Tailored Biopsy Techniques: Unraveling the Mystery

Depending on the nature of the oral abnormality, six distinct methods of oral biopsy are available:

• Aspiration: Removing a sample from within the lesion using a needle and syringe.
• Brush: Cellular material is collected by applying pressure to a rotating brush and transferring it to a slide for microscopic observation.
• Excisional: Entirely removing small, benign-looking lesions.
• Incisional: Extracting samples from various areas for larger lesions.
• Punch: Using a circular blade to retrieve tissue for further lab examination.

Your oral health is our priority, and our advanced oral biopsy techniques enable us to provide you with accurate diagnoses and personalized care. If you suspect an oral abnormality or require further insight, reach out to Decatur Family Dentistry. Our expert team is dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of your oral health and guiding you toward effective solutions.