Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/9357.htm

Gum biopsy

Gum biopsy

Overview

Gum biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of gingival (gum) tissue is removed for examination. The test is performed when examination of the mouth reveals abnormal-appearing gum tissue.

Review Date 3/1/2023

Updated by: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.