What is oral pathology?

Oral pathology is the care of diseases of the mouth and jaws. It also covers the salivary glands and the area near the mouth. An oral surgeon trained in this field can check tissue that looks off. We can do a biopsy. We can also remove cysts and benign tumors. We help guide care for oral cancer.

What does an oral lesion look like, and when should I see a surgeon?

Any change in your mouth that lasts more than 2 weeks should be checked. Warning signs are red or white patches. Other signs are a sore that does not heal. A lump in the cheek or tongue is a sign too. So is trouble swallowing or chewing. So is new numbness with no clear cause.

What does an oral biopsy involve?

An oral biopsy is a small in-office procedure with local numbing. We take a small sample of the tissue. We send it to a lab to look at under a microscope. Results come back in 7 to 10 days. The visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes. There is little to no pain.

Who is at risk for oral cancer?

The main risks are smoking and chewing tobacco. Heavy alcohol use is also a big risk. So is HPV, mostly HPV-16. Long sun exposure can cause lip cancer. A personal or family history of oral cancer raises risk too. Oral cancer can also strike people with no known risk. That is why screenings matter.

What are dental cysts and do they need to be removed?

Dental cysts are small sacs filled with fluid. They form near the roots of teeth or near teeth still under the gum. Most need to be removed. They can grow with no warning. They can harm nearby teeth and bone. A few can get infected or turn into more serious lesions.

How is oral cancer treated?

Care depends on the type, stage, and site of the cancer. Early oral cancer is often treated by surgery alone. More advanced cases may need surgery, radiation, and chemo. We work with medical and radiation cancer doctors. OSOI helps with the work-up, biopsy, and surgery.

Does OSOI screen for oral cancer?

Yes. Every visit with us includes a quick check of the mouth, lips, tongue, and back of the throat. We suggest a yearly screening for adults. Patients with tobacco, heavy alcohol, or HPV risks should be checked more often.

How much does an oral biopsy cost?

An office biopsy in Indianapolis costs about $300 to $700. The exact price depends on the size and place of the lesion. Most medical plans cover this. We send a written estimate before the visit.

Diagnosis & Treatment · Oral Pathology Indianapolis

What Should I Do About a Sore in My Mouth That Will Not Heal?

Name: Oral Surgeons of Indiana
Address: 8240 Naab Road, Suite 355, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, US
Telephone: (317) 876-1095
Price range: $$$

Expert oral pathology diagnosis and treatment in Indianapolis — oral cancer screening, biopsies, cysts. Board-certified surgeons at Oral Surgeons of Indiana.

Call (317) 876-1095 Schedule Consultation

Key Facts

≈54,000
new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
— NIH SEER Cancer Stat Facts, 2023
>80%
5-year survival when oral cancer is detected at an early, localized stage.
— NIH SEER Cancer Stat Facts, 2023
2 weeks
any oral lesion that persists this long warrants professional evaluation.
— AAOMS, 2023
15–30 min
typical chair time for an in-office oral biopsy under local anesthesia.
— OSOI internal data, 2025
7–10 days
typical turnaround for biopsy pathology results.
— OSOI internal data, 2025

Who Needs This Procedure

Anyone with a sore that has not healed within 2 weeks, a red or white patch in the mouth, an unexplained lump in the cheek or tongue, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained numbness — and any adult who has not had an oral cancer screening in the past year, especially if they use tobacco or are HPV-positive.

What Happens During the Procedure

Comprehensive oral exam
10–15 min
Your surgeon inspects the mouth, lips, tongue, floor of mouth, and oropharynx for lesions or asymmetry.
Imaging (if needed)
5–10 min
Panoramic X-ray or CBCT scans evaluate underlying bone for cysts or tumors.
Local anesthesia
5 min
The biopsy site is numbed with local anesthetic.
Biopsy or excision
15–30 min
A tissue sample (incisional biopsy) or the entire lesion (excisional biopsy) is removed and sent to a pathology lab.
Diagnosis and treatment plan
Phone or follow-up visit
You receive results and a tailored treatment plan within 7–10 days; coordination with oncology is arranged when needed.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1

Mild soreness at the biopsy site. Soft, cool diet. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash for 24 hours.

Watch for: Persistent bleeding or fever above 101°F.

Days 2–7

Soft tissue heals progressively. Stitches dissolve or are removed at the follow-up visit.

Within 7–10 days

Pathology results return. Your surgeon discusses next steps by phone or in person.

Long term

Annual oral cancer screenings — more frequent for patients with tobacco, heavy alcohol, or HPV risk factors.

Risks and Complications

Reported risks of in-office oral biopsy are minor and include bleeding, swelling, infection (under 2%), temporary altered sensation, and very rarely seeding of cells (with appropriate technique this risk is negligible). — JOMS, 2022.

How OSOI Does This Differently

OSOI surgeons combine board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgical training with regular oral pathology experience and a long-standing relationship with regional pathology labs and oncology teams. We aim to perform diagnostic biopsies the same week of consultation when clinically indicated.

Common oral pathology procedures
	Incisional biopsy	Excisional biopsy	Cyst or benign tumor removal
Purpose	Sample a portion of a larger lesion	Remove and diagnose a small lesion in one step	Surgically remove and diagnose a cyst or benign tumor
Anesthesia typically used	Local	Local	Local or IV sedation
Chair time	15–30 min	15–45 min	30–90 min
Healing	1–2 weeks	1–2 weeks	2–6 weeks

Cost and Insurance

Diagnostic biopsies in Indianapolis typically run $300–$700 and are covered by most medical insurance plans. Cyst or tumor removal varies by complexity. We bill medical insurance directly and provide a written estimate before treatment.

Procedure Overview

Learn about the importance of oral cancer screening, what an oral biopsy involves, and why early detection is critical to treatment success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Procedures

See also our cost and financing guide and IV sedation options.