Post Biopsy Instructions
Instructions Following a Biopsy Procedure
Bleeding
Bleeding is rarely a problem after a biopsy procedure. You may notice that your saliva is slightly tinged with blood and that is quite normal.
Pain
Following a biopsy procedure, you will remain numb for a few hours. If you experience pain take analgesic tablets such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (eg Nurofen), which are available over the counter at a pharmacy.
Oral Hygiene
It is important to maintain a clean mouth after the biopsy procedure in order to minimise the risk of developing an infection of the wound. Continue tooth brushing as best you can using a soft toothbrush. In addition, use a warm salt mouth rinse (half a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water) and gently bathe the area approximately six times a day for a few days following the procedure.
Stitches
The stitches used are the dissolving type and they will usually fall out two to three weeks after the procedure.
Pathology Service
The biopsy specimen will be sent to a Pathology Service for processing and then reported on by a Specialist Pathologist. You will receive an account from the Pathology Service which will be partially covered by a Medicare refund. You will have an out-of-pocket expense of approximately $120 to $200.
It usually takes about one week before the pathology report has been finalised.
