1. I understand that a biopsy requires an incision(s) in my mouth or on the skin which will require stitches, and sometimes the removal of bone tissue. It has been explained that there are certain risks associated with the surgery, including (but not limited to):
A. Post-operative discomfort and swelling that may require several days of at-home recuperation. _ _
B. Prolonged or heavy bleeding that may require additional treatment.
C. Post-operative infection that may require additional treatment.
D. Stretching of the corners of the mouth that may cause cracking and bruising and which may heal slowly.
E. Restricted mouth opening for several days. Sometimes related to swelling and muscle soreness and sometimes related to stress on the jaw joints (TMJ).
F. Reactions to medications, anesthetics, sutures, etc.
G. Injury to sensory nerve branches in the area of the biopsy which may result in pain or a tingling or numb feeling in the lip, chin, tongue, cheek,.gums or teeth, or in areas of the skin of the face. Usually this disappears slowly over several weeks or months, but occasionally the effects may be permanent.
H. If bone tissue is removed, healing may take longer, some complications may be more likely (for example, bleeding), and the biopsy report may take longer due to special processing requirements.
I. Opening into the sinus (a normal bony chamber above the upper back teeth) requiring additional treatment.
J. There is always a possibility of the lesion recurring in the same area, even when it appears to be totally removed.