A biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed from an area so that it can be looked at closely under a microscope. The biopsy may aim to remove an area completely (an excisional biopsy). This is usually only appropriate for small lumps or swellings. Occasionally only a small piece of an abnormal area is removed to confirm a diagnosis (an incisional biopsy).

An oral/gum biopsy tests for abnormal or suspicious gum tissue is recommended to help diagnose:

• a sore or lesion in the mouth that lasts longer than two weeks
• a white or red patch on the gum or anywhere in the mouth.
• ulcers in the mouth
• swelling of the gum that doesn’t go away
• changes in the gums and oral tissues that cause loose teeth or dentures.