OUR TREATMENTS

Oral Pathology and Biopsies

Our experienced oral surgeons provide expert diagnosis and treatment for various oral conditions, ensuring your oral health is in capable hands.

Early detection is crucial, especially since oral pathologies, such as cancer, are not always painful.

Why Might I Require a Biopsy?

Biopsies are needed to diagnose and investigate various medical conditions. That is, they help determine the nature of tissues or cells, assess their health, and guide decision-making, including treatment planning and prognosis. 

Primary Conditions A Biopsy Can Detect:

What To Expect

Our expert oral surgeons provide thorough insights on the
biopsy process, from consultation to aftercare.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

  • A surgical referral slip from your dentist as well as x-rays and/or any 3D scans (if applicable).
  • A list of medications you are currently taking.
  • A complete list of your medical conditions.
  • The name and policy number of your dental insurance plan (if applicable).
  • Payment for the consultation and treatment may be required on the appointment date (accepted methods of payment include: Visa, Mastercard, and debit).
  • For patients under 19, it’s beneficial to have a parent or guardian present for clarity and consent regarding the treatment plan.
  • In some cases, we might schedule your consultation and surgery on the same day. If sedation or anesthesia is involved, follow the pre-operative instructions diligently.
  • The selected anesthesia will be administered prior to commencing the surgery to guarantee your comfort throughout the procedure.
  • In many cases, a maxillofacial biopsy may take approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete. However, more complex or extensive biopsies may take longer.
  • During this period, it is imperative that you carefully follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions.
  • The duration of this period depends on many factors. With this in mind, your oral surgeon will discuss them with you to ensure you are well-informed before the procedure.
  • To monitor your healing progress, follow-up appointments are to be scheduled.

Pre and Postoperative Instructions

Our extensive guidelines ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Learn how to prepare for your procedure and maintain optimal healing afterward.
Instructions for patients undergoing a procedure under IV sedation or general anesthesia :
  • Do not drink or eat anything for at least 8 hours prior to your appointment.
  • Do not wear makeup or nail polish.
  • Wear loose clothing with short sleeves or with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow.
  • Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures should all be removed.
  • If you are sick (i.e. cold, flu, sore throat, stomach or upset bowel), please notify the office.
  • If you take routine oral medications, please notify the office prior to your surgical date for further instruction.
  • Please do not smoke at least 12 hours before surgery and discontinue smoking for at least 7 days after surgery.
  • Please discontinue any recreational drugs for 24 hours before surgery.
  • You should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following anesthesia.
  • Please have a family member or friend accompany you to the office and to take you home. They should supervise you until you are alert and oriented.

Bleeding:

  • Minor bleeding and oozing may continue for 1-3 days after surgery.
  • Place gauze and apply pressure in the surgical area for 30-60 minutes at a time.
  • Change the gauze every 30-60 minutes until bleeding slows down.
  • DO NOT leave gauze packs in while sleeping, as it can be a choking hazard.
  • Avoid spitting or using straws, hot foods or drinks, and high-impact activities for 3-7 days depending on the extent of surgery.
  • For continued oozing, place a moistened black tea bag over the area and apply pressure for 30-60 minutes.
  • Call the office or the after hours on-call surgeon if heavy bleeding continues.

Pain:

  • Pain is greatest for the first 2 days and should decrease over the next 2-7 days.
  • For minor pain, use over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen).
  • For more significant pain, please use the prescribed medications as directed.
  • When using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen), Aleve (Naproxen), Toradol (Ketorolac), take them after eating.
    • Monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or pain and discontinue use if necessary.

Swelling & Bruising:

  • It is normal to have swelling after surgery.
  • Swelling increases for 2 days after your procedure and resolves in 2-10 days.
  • Place an ice pack to the cheek (20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off) repeatedly for 1-2 days.
  • After 2 days, moist warm compresses to the facial area may be used for comfort.
  • For any bruising, apply moist warm compresses to the facial area. This will improve in about 1-2 weeks.
  • Keep your head elevated 30 degrees while sleeping by lying on multiple pillows for 1-2 days.

Diet:

  • Once the freezing wears off and bleeding has slowed down, begin with a cold liquid diet.
  • Start with clear fluids and advance to a soft diet that can include juice, Jell-O, ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, soup, etc.
  • Avoid hot foods and beverages for 2 days.
  • If you experience nausea, use over-the-counter medication, like Gravol.

After IV Sedation or General Anesthesia

  • Do not drive a motorized vehicle or perform any activity requiring a high degree of concentration or care for 24 hours.
  • If you continue experiencing drowsiness or dizziness, avoid strenuous activity and have supervision.
  • Supervision, by a responsible adult, is needed for 24 hours after your surgery with any form of anesthesia.
  • Do not drink alcohol or take any sedatives, since they may prolong the effects of the medications given.


Other Instructions:

  • Please do not smoke for at least 7 days after your procedure.
  • Brush your teeth up to the surgical area, carefully — you must keep your mouth clean to avoid infection.
  • Begin gentle rinsing of your mouth with warm salt water or the recommended rinsing solution after each meal.
  • Most sutures or stitches are dissolvable and melt on their own between 5-14 days, depending on the type of sutures.
  • If the surgical site remains open and/or traps food/debris, please call the office to return for a check-up.
  • If you experience hives, a rash, or itching, discontinue the prescribed medication and promptly contact your surgeon. You can reach the clinic or contact an on-call surgeon using the numbers below.

If you see no improvement in recovery after 5-7 days, call for a follow-up appointment.

Vancouver – T: (604) 879-6106 F: (604) 879-6108 E: vancouver@omsgroup.ca

Burnaby – T: (604) 430-1315 F: (604) 438-1320 E: burnaby@omsgroup.ca

Richmond – T: (604) 270-1700 F: (604) 303-0077 E: richmond@omsgroup.ca

Depending on the relationship of your lesion to adjacent nerves, it could lead to numbness in the lip, chin, gums, and tongue, along with potential loss of taste. The duration for the sensation to improve varies, ranging from days to weeks or even up to a year. Regrettably, in certain cases, the restoration of normal sensation might not be fully achievable. 

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