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Oral pathology

Oral biopsy and pathology in Dawsonville

Oral pathology is the diagnosis and treatment of sores, lumps, patches and cysts in the mouth and jaws. In Dawsonville, Dr. Abtin Shahriari examines the area, takes a small tissue sample when needed and sends it to a laboratory, then explains the results and removes cysts or benign growths if treatment is recommended.

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Who it is for

Changes worth checking.

Most mouth sores heal within about two weeks. Anything that lingers, grows or changes should be looked at by a specialist.

  • A sore, ulcer or rough area that has not healed after two weeks
  • A white, red or mixed-color patch on the tongue, cheek, gums or floor of the mouth
  • A lump or swelling you can feel inside the mouth, lip or jaw
  • A spot your dentist noticed on an X-ray, such as a cyst in the jaw
  • Ongoing numbness, hoarseness or trouble swallowing without a clear cause
A consultation room with framed diplomas, a round white desk and two chairs

How it works

How a biopsy works.

A biopsy sounds serious, but for most small areas it is a short visit done with numbing medicine.

  1. Exam and history

    Dr. Abtin looks at the area, asks how long it has been there and reviews your health history and any imaging.

  2. Sample, if needed

    After numbing the area, he removes a small piece of tissue, or the whole spot if it is small, and usually closes it with a few stitches.

  3. Lab review

    The tissue goes to a pathology laboratory, where a specialist examines it under a microscope.

  4. Results and next steps

    Dr. Abtin walks you through the findings and any treatment, such as removing a cyst or benign growth, or a referral if more care is needed.

A 3D dental imaging machine in a bright room
PlanningCone beam CT imaging lets Dr. Abtin see roots, nerves, sinuses and bone in 3D before surgery.

Recovery

What is recovery like after an oral biopsy?

Most people feel some soreness for a few days where the sample was taken. Soft, cool foods and over-the-counter pain relief as directed usually keep you comfortable. Removing a larger cyst or growth can take longer to heal, and Dr. Abtin explains what to expect for your case.

Keep the area clean with gentle rinses as instructed and avoid spicy or crunchy foods until it settles. If stitches were placed, they often dissolve on their own.

Possible risks

  • Soreness, swelling or bleeding at the biopsy site for a few days
  • Infection, which is uncommon
  • Numbness near the site when it lies close to a nerve
  • Sometimes the first sample does not give a clear answer, and a second biopsy is needed

Dr. Abtin goes over the risks that apply to you, and how they are lowered, before you decide on surgery.

Read the general after-surgery guide

Sedation options

Comfort, your way.

Most biopsies need only local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide can help if you feel anxious, and IV sedation may be offered for larger cysts or growths.

  • Option for this procedure

    Local anesthesia

    Numbs the area being treated. You are awake, and you feel pressure but not sharp pain.

  • Option for this procedure

    Nitrous oxide

    A gas you breathe through a small mask. It takes the edge off nerves and wears off within minutes after the mask comes off.

  • Option for this procedure

    IV sedation

    Medicine given through a vein places you in a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state. Most people remember little of the procedure. You need an adult to drive you home.

How sedation works at NGOS

Insurance and cost

Does insurance cover an oral biopsy?

Biopsies and the treatment of oral lesions may be covered by dental insurance, medical insurance or both, depending on the location and diagnosis. The laboratory may bill separately for its analysis. Ask the team what your plan is likely to cover.

Insurance and financing

FAQ

Oral pathology and biopsies: your questions.

Still wondering about something? Call (706) 969-7664

Not necessarily. Many lesions turn out to be harmless, such as irritation, infection or a benign growth. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure, which is why Dr. Abtin recommends one when a spot does not heal or looks unusual.

The area is numbed with local anesthesia first, so you should feel pressure rather than sharp pain during the procedure. Afterward, mild soreness for a few days is common and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief as directed.

It depends on the laboratory and the type of test. The team tells you when to expect results at your visit, and Dr. Abtin reviews them with you. If you have not heard back in that window, call the office.

A jaw cyst is a fluid-filled sac inside the bone, often found on a routine X-ray. Some grow slowly and can weaken bone or move teeth. Dr. Abtin evaluates it with imaging and usually recommends removal along with a lab check of the tissue.

A sore from a bite or burn often heals within about two weeks. If yours lasts longer, keeps coming back in the same place or changes in size or color, call the office to have it examined.

Related care

You may also want to read.

All procedures

Sources for patients

General information from patient education pages by the organizations above. Page updated November 6, 2026.

Ready when you are

Talk with the team today.

Ask a question, ask about your insurance or book a consultation with Dr. Abtin at the Dawsonville office.

Request a visit Call (706) 969-7664