Post-Operative Instructions: Biopsy
Medication
If you are prescribed an antiseptic mouth rinse (chlorhexidine or Peridex™), use it for a week.
Start taking pain medications within 30 minutes after the procedure. It is important that food be eaten with the pain medication to prevent nausea.
If you develop any rash, diarrhea, or another bad reaction because of any medicine that we have given you, stop taking it immediately, and call the office. You may or may not be given a different prescription.
Usually, you should also take 400 mg of ibuprofen and 325 mg of Tylenol® every 6 hours in addition to your other pain medicine. Ask the CWOFS team or your pharmacist if you should not be taking this in addition.
Diet
Please avoid chewing on the affected site for about a week. You may consider eating soft foods (smoothies, scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, etc.) for a few days if it is sore.
Other
To stop bleeding, put a gauze on the site and apply constant pressure for 30 minutes. Repeat 2 times if necessary.
Use an ice pack on your face to help with swelling — 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours.
If you have stitches, they may dissolve on their own, or they may need to be removed. Just ask the team if you are unsure.
After 24 hours, begin warm saltwater soaks after each meal and at bedtime (1 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water).
Brushing and flossing are important to keep your mouth clean. Just be sure not to brush directly over the biopsy site.
What about the biopsy specimen?
The specimen that was removed will be sent to a pathology laboratory to find out what it is. You will receive a separate bill from the lab. Call CWOFS is you have not heard back within 3 weeks.
To request a consultation and learn more about our services, please request an appointment now. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health and smile!
