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General Anesthesia IV Sedation Nitrous Oxide Local Anesthesia
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BiopsiesAt times your physician or general dentist may
refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation of
“abnormal” areas of the mouth and tongue.
These “abnormalities” may consist of color changes,
ulcerations (sores) or changes in size of a “bump or lump” that
do not spontaneously resolve. Dr. Kirk will have you in his office for an
initial consultation. During
the consultation your medical history and current medications will
be reviewed. Dr. Kirk
will perform a head and neck (including an oral cavity) exam.
Additionally, an x-ray of the area in question may have to be
made. This x-ray will
let us know whether or not the teeth, jaw bones or sinuses are
involved with the area in question. Depending on your medical history, current
medications and the size, location and characteristics of the area
questioned, Dr. Kirk may elect to observe the “abnormal” region
and have you return in approximately two weeks.
This may allow the area to “heal” and thereby eliminate
the need for a biopsy. Dr. Kirk may also prescribe various medications and
treatments to assist you in preventing the need for a biopsy. If a biopsy is necessary Dr. Kirk will discuss
whether or not the biopsy should be performed the same day as your
consultation. At times,
due to your medical history or ongoing medications, you may have to
be rescheduled for the procedure. Most biopsies can be performed using local
anesthesia (“numbing the area”) but at times individuals may
elect (or the surgery may dictate) intravenous sedation.
During intravenous sedation you will not be allowed to eat or
drink eight (8) hours before surgery.
You will also be required to have someone drive you home
after the procedure. We
encourage you to have someone that can stay in the office during
your procedure in case we need to speak with them concerning your
surgery while you are “asleep” in your procedure. Dr. Kirk will describe the way in which he will
perform your surgery during the consultation.
You may have sutures (stitches) placed during your biopsy.
These sutures will typically “dissolve” in 5-7 days.
Additionally, pain medications, antibiotics and a
prescription mouth rinse may be prescribed for you to use after your
biopsy. The specimen (a small piece of soft / hard tissue) from your biopsy site will be submitted to a pathology lab. The pathologist will review the specimen under a microscope and look at the individual cells to determine a diagnosis. The pathologist will send a written report to Dr. Kirk and he will discuss the results of your biopsy with you at your return visit. Any additional care (need for more surgery or referral to another specialist) will also be discussed at your follow up visit (typically about one week after your procedure).
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1409 Baddour Parkway Suite F ~ Lebanon, TN 37087 615-453-7800 Fax 615-453-7858 info@aboutfacetn.com |
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