Dental Treatment

Biopsy

A dental biopsy is a simple and safe procedure where Geans Clinic’s Consultant Oral Surgeon, Dr Shrina Nathwani, removes a small piece of tissue from your mouth, such as your gums, tongue, or the inside of your cheek.

The sample can then be looked at under a microscope. This helps us find out more about a spot or area in your mouth that looks unusual, such as:

A sore that doesn’t heal
A lump or bump
A white or red patch
Swelling or pain that doesn’t go away

The sample can then be looked at under a microscope. This helps us find out more about a spot or area in your mouth that looks unusual, such as:

A sore that doesn’t heal
A lump or bump
A white or red patch
Swelling or pain that doesn’t go away

At a glance

Treatment time

30-60 minutes

Key benefit

Confirm diagnosis

Downtime

Few hours - 1 day

Anaesthetic

Local or intravenous sedation

Geans Clinic - At A Glance Dental Treatments

About this treatment

There are several types of biopsies used in dentistry and oral medicine, depending on the size, location, and nature of the lesion or tissue being examined. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of biopsies:

1. Excisional Biopsy

What it is: The entire lesion or abnormal area is removed.
When it’s used: For small, well-defined lesions that can be completely taken out.
Purpose: Can be both diagnostic and therapeutic (may cure the issue by removing it).

2. Incisional Biopsy

What it is: Only a small part of a large or suspicious lesion is removed.
When it’s used: For larger lesions, or when complete removal isn’t safe or practical at first.
Purpose: Mainly diagnostic, to help decide the next steps.

3. Punch Biopsy

What it is: A circular blade (like a mini cookie-cutter) is used to remove a small, round piece of tissue.
When it’s used: Commonly used on soft tissues like the cheek lining, gums, or tongue.
Advantages: Quick, minimally invasive, often done in-office.

4. Needle (Aspiration) Biopsy

What it is: A thin needle is used to remove fluid or cells from a lump or swelling.
Types:
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA)
- Core needle biopsy (removes a small tissue core)
When it’s used: For deep lesions or swellings, especially to check for cysts or tumors in the jaw or salivary glands.

5. Brush Biopsy (Cytology)

What it is: A soft brush is used to gently scrape cells from a suspicious surface.
When it’s used: Often for screening flat, surface-level lesions (e.g., red or white patches).
Note: It’s less invasive but not as accurate as tissue biopsies. A positive result usually leads to an incisional or excisional biopsy for confirmation.

6. Bone Biopsy

What it is: A sample taken from the jawbone.
When it’s used: If a bone lesion is seen on X-rays or if infection (like osteomyelitis) or tumors are suspected.

FAQs

Why is it Important?

To check for infections, inflammation, or other changes
To rule out or confirm diseases (including rare conditions or cancer)
To help us plan the best treatment for you

What Happens During the Procedure?

First, the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel pain. A small piece of tissue is gently removed—it takes just a few minutes. You may feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel pain. The tissue is sent to a lab to be studied.

After the Biopsy

You can go home the same day.
You might feel a bit sore for a day or two—mild pain medicine or saltwater rinses usually help.
We’ll call you or schedule a follow-up when your results are ready (usually within 1–2 weeks).

Price from

Following your consultation, you will be provided with a written estimate of costs for treatment. This is based on the materials or products to be used, and complexity of the procedure. You will always be given clear transparent costs and there will never be any hidden costs or surprise bills!

View all fees

View patient plans

Price from

£400

+/- £170 for pathology report

Specialist team

Shrina Nathwani

BDS (Lond) MOral Surg RCSEng MHMEd FHEA

GDC Number: 177658

Consultant Oral Surgeon

Meet Shrina Nathwani

concerns

Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant odour coming from the mouth.

View concern

concerns

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are a common sign of gum inflammation or disease and shouldn’t be ignored.

View concern

concerns

Sore Mouth

View concern

Related
concerns

The following associated conditions may be related to either the treatment or condition your viewing. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have so please get in touch.

View all concerns

Our dedicated team

Everyone on our team, from our practice manager to our hygienists, works towards making your visit comfortable, caring and personal.

Meet the team

Patient Testimonials

We as a family have been coming to this dentist since it opened. I cannot stress how professional and caring they all are. I myself am a nervous patient and they put me at ease every single time. My son has unfortunately had to have root canal treatment not something anyone likes to endure but they were so careful, gentle and professional that my son wasn’t worried, scared or in pain (he fell asleep). I love this dentist, and recommend you to everyone. Sabrina is AMAZING, such a lovely person.

Anonymous patient

Thank you Sabrina for not hurting me and making me feel at ease! I’m scared to death of the dentist!

Anonymous patient

Both my wife and I have been in to see you for a few different treatments and on every single occasion we have left feeling happy and confident with the work you have done. My wife was extremely nervous about having any work done but after having the first consultation with you she came away and immediately felt relaxed about seeing you again to begin the treatments. After the experience we’ve had with you I no longer dread having to book in for a check up!

Anonymous patient

I have trusted my dental health to Geans Dental or over 5 years now. Every visit and treatment has been undertaken by a very professional clinical team assisted by a caring and incredibly supportive team. 5 star treatment from a 5 star organisation

Ian H

Always friendly, helpful and a pleasure to visit. I have been a customer/patient for many years along with my wife. I recommend Geans Dental as an excellent choice if you want 1st class dentistry.

Anonymous patient

A beyond excellent service every step of the way. Completely fantastic.

Anonymous patient

In recent months I have seen the dentist and visiting dental surgeon as well as the dental hygienist. I would like to say that I always find their care and professional skills are exemplary, putting me at ease and providing excellent dental care and advice – Thank you all!

Anonymous patient

A very positive experience. Came away with real confidence and trust in the quality of care and advice received. Thank you.

Anonymous patient

A very positive experience. Came away with real confidence and trust in the quality of care and advice received. Thank you.

Anonymous patient

Will you please pass my thanks to Shrina Nathwani for her wonderful, professional care when I had a tooth extracted… I had been dreading the procedure but Shrina made me feel so relaxed and I must say I felt no discomfort. Shrina and the dental nurse who assisted her are a definite asset to your practice.

Anon 1, October 2018

I had excellent service from Shrina, not even any swelling or bleeding after the extraction last week. It’s just such a relief to have this sorted. Thank you for your prompt action.

Anon 2, December 2018

Discover what other patients have to say about their experiences with Geans Clinic…

View google reviews

Related
treatments

You may also consider these treatments to complement your current treatment of interest. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have so please get in touch.

View all treatments