Information for patients
This information sheet answers common questions about wound care advice after having biopsy procedure inside the mouth. If you would like further information, or have any particular worries, please do not hesitate to ask your surgeon.
In all cases, the surgeon will explain the instructions verbally to you and asnwer any questions you may have during the appointment.
Will I be in pain?
- Pain is expected after biopsy, once the effect of local anaesthetic has worn off.
- The effect of the local anaesthetic may last anywhere between 90 minutes to 4 hours.
- Pain usually tends to worsen on the second or third day after surgery and improves thereafter.
Recommendation:
- Regular over-the-counter painkillers such as Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen are suitable for pain relief, if there are no known allergies.
- Do not bite the lip, inside of the cheek or tongue when you are still numb as it may cause damage to these structures.
Will I have swelling or bruising?
- It is normal to develop swelling and bruising after surgery.
- Swelling may increase on the second or third day after surgery and resolves in about 7-10 days’ time.
- Bruising tends to last longer than the swelling and is completely harmless.
Recommendation:
- Ice-packs may be used over the surgery site in the first 24-48 hours to reduce the amount of swelling and bruising.
- Keep your head elevated using multiple pillows to reduce swelling.
Will I have bleeding?
- The wound is checked for bleeding before discharge by your surgical team.
- However, minimal bleeding or oozing is expected in the first 24 hours of the surgery which usually does not require attention.
- Some blood stains on the dressing, clothes and bed linen when you sleep can be expected.
- Some medications may increase the risk of bleeding and require precautions- please discuss this with the surgeon.
Recommendation:
- Avoid strenuous exercise or activity and any heavy lifting for at least 72 hours.
- Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours.
- If bleeding is continuous or heavy, apply firm continuous pressure on the site of bleeding using the provided clean damp gauze for at least 15 minutes.
- If the bleeding continues, apply pressure for further 15 minutes.
- Contact the emergency numbers given at the end of this leaflet if bleeding continues in spite of the above measures.
How do I care for the biopsy site or stitches?
- The stitches inside the mouth dissolve in about 7-14 days’ time. Although some stitches may stay longer than normal.
- On occasions, special dressing to reduce bleeding is placed in the socket which will dissolve at the same time as your stitches.
- Extra care is required if you are diabetic or immunocompromised due to your health or medications you take regularly.
Recommendation:
- Avoid eating hard or chewy food for the first 24-48 hours. A soft diet is recommended during this period.
- Avoid consuming hot food or drinks on the day of surgery to avoid burning yourself when you are numb.
- Maintain strict oral hygiene by regular tooth brushing and use of mouthwash.
- On the day following surgery, use the prepared warm salty mouthwash to rinse your mouth at least 3-4 times a day after every meal for 10 days.
- Salty mouthwash may be prepared by adding and mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water (250ml).
- Alternatively, you may use a gentle mouthwash that you regularly use at home if it is more convenient.
- Avoid scratching or traumatising the biopsy site as it may disturb or displace any healing tissue or cause bleeding.
- Do not smoke or vape for at least 72 hours to prevent complications including pain, delayed healing and infection.
Will I get an infection?
- In general, all surgeries can lead to infection, although the risk is low.
- The risk of infection increases with poor oral hygiene, diabetes, immunosuppression, smoking/vaping, certain medications and poor wound care
- The common features of infection may include redness of the gums, increased pain, swelling, discharge, fever and feeling generally unwell.
Recommendation:
- Please strictly follow all the aftercare advice outlined above
- If signs of infection are noted, please contact the emergency numbers given at the end of this leaflet or the GDP/GP. You may require a course of antibiotics to treat the infection.
Will I need any time off work?
- This is entirely left to the patient’s discretion and is dependent on your profession and the complexity of the surgery.
- Longer recovery period is required if you have had the procedure under general anaesthesia.
Recommendation:
- We do not recommend that you go back to work or university on the day of surgery.
Will I need more treatment?
- You will be informed of the biopsy results as soon as they results have been reported. This may be accomplished by a telephone call or by a formal appointment.
- The surgeon will then advise you regarding any further treatment if required.
- Please be advised that currently routine and non-urgent results may take up to 3 months tobe reported.
Recommendation:
- Please attend all follow-up appointments as advised to prevent discontinuity of care.
- The follow-up appointments are organised and sent by letters. Please ensure that the receptionist has your up to date address and phone number.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Monday to Friday- 9am to 5pm – 01582 718062
Monday to Friday – 5pm to 9am and during weekends – Please phone the main hospital switchboard on 01582 481166 and ask for On-Call Oral and Maxillofacial doctor.
Online resources
Biopsy – BAOS:
https://www.baos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Biopsy-.pdf
Oral(mouth) biopsy – BAOMS:
https://www.baoms.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Procedures/Oral__Mouth__Biopsy.pdf