After Intraoral Biopsy (Inside the Mouth)

1. An intraoral biopsy is when Dr. Ford removes a piece of tissue from the inside of the mouth, which could be in the area of the tongue, gums, etc.   These specimens are sent to a pathology lab for diagnosis.
2. After having this procedure you should keep the gauze in your mouth for 2 hours with good pressure.  Then remove the gauze and check the surgical site for bleeding.  If bleeding persists, place a new gauze over the surgical site with good pressure for  1 hour. Oozing is normal. Do NOT replace the gauze unless there is active bleeding.
3. Once the bleeding has stopped you may eat and drink.  Make sure the food isn’t too hot, cold, spicy, sharp or crunchy and try to chew on the opposite side of the surgery site.  Drink plenty of fluids, but try to avoid caffeine.  Do not spit, suck through a straw or smoke for 48 hours.
4. You may begin brushing and salt water rinsing (1/2 teaspoon salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water) the day AFTER surgery.  Rinse 3-4 times daily, especially after eating and before bed for the next several weeks or until wound is healed completely.
5. Control of discomfort: Take prescribed pain medication as directed. An excellent aid in the relief of discomfort is using over the counter Ibuprofen/Motrin as well. Take as directed on the bottle. NOTE: Ibuprofen/Motrin can be used as long as there is no contraindication such as allergy or you have been instructed by your physician to avoid the use of NSAIDS.
6. Some bruising may occur, but do not be alarmed.  This is a normal part of surgery and the healing process.
7. If you have sutures, they will be dissolvable and will take 3-4 weeks to dissolve.  Try not to pick or prod at them as you may irritate the surgical site.
8. Patients who receive general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all effects of the anesthesia have disappeared.  Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours.  You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia.  Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers.  Watch out for dizziness.  Walk slowly and take your time.  Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea or dizziness.  Do not drink alcoholic beverages.  The drugs in your body may cause your reaction to alcohol to be dangerous.
9. Your lab specimen will be processed and read by Crown Pathology.  There are generally two charges; one for processing and one for reading.  You will be billed directly by Crown Pathology.  These services are not part of your Northern Maine Oral & Facial Surgery bill.