[Importance of the biopsy in dental practice. 1].

Biopsy is a valuable aid in oral clinical diagnosis; it consists of obtaining a specimen of living tissue in order to study its structure, both macro and microscopically. This procedure makes it possible to confirm or deny a diagnosis, as well as to determine the nature and characteristics of the lesion and to establish a final diagnosis. Oral biopsy is a simple procedure, which in most cases can easily be performed by the odontologist. Indications and contraindications are relative. In general terms, the following criteria are candidates for biopsy: suspicious lesions present in the area, any tissue removed for any reason, and positive exfoliative cytology. As to contraindications, it is usually advisable to avoid biopsies on necrotic areas, as well as incisional biopsy of pigmented lesions. Methods most often used for obtaining a biopsy include: excisional, incisional and transoperatory, always following certain principles for obtaining a representative specimen.