We use dental lasers to quickly clear up cold sores
Laser Cold Sore Treatment in El Cajon, CA
What are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are a side effect of a virus known as herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), although they can also be related to herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). It is estimated that roughly 50-80% of adults in the U.S. suffer from oral herpes, although not all will experience cold sores as a result.
If you do experience cold sores, you may not know what they are. They typically appear on the lips, cheeks, or chin, or even inside the nostrils, and rarely, they may form on the gums or the roof of the mouth. Also referred to as fever blisters, these lesions start out as small, painful sores that itch or burn. Eventually, the sores will rupture and crust over.
There is no cure for cold sores, and while there are medications to reduce the occurrence of cold sores, there is no sure-fire way to prevent them. If left untreated, they generally heal within a couple of weeks, but they may cause damage like scarring, especially if you probe or pick at them. When sores appear, they are highly contagious with close contact.
Luckily, there are ways to treat cold sores when the appear, and you’re sure to appreciate the many benefits of cold sore laser treatment, especially the immediate pain relief and rapid healing. While cold sores may appear only infrequently for some patients, treating them quickly is the best way to avoid pain, embarrassment, and lasting damage like scarring. Contact Rancho San Diego Dental for immediate treatment when you first notice a cold sore forming.
Get leading-edge, comprehensive care for cold sores
There is no actual cure for cold sores, also called fever blisters. But the symptoms and frequency can be managed by soft-tissue laser treatments. When caught in the early stages cold sores can be stopped from continuing, and in many cases may never return again in that site.
Benefits of cold sore laser treatment
Lasers are the ultramodern way to treat cold sores. In general, our laser treatments need no anesthesia and can treat most common forms of oral herpes and cold sores.
- Provides immediate pain relief
- Makes the virus vanish in the area it’s located in, thus preventing more outbreaks
- Laser treatment greatly reduces the chances of scarring
- Lesions heal within 24-72 hours after treatment
When should you get Laser Cold Sore Treatment?
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, pop up around the mouth and lip. The timing of the treatment makes a big difference in the outcome. The most effective time to get treatment is within the first 24 to 48 hours of the symptoms, usually noticeable by a tingling sensation. In most cases, treatment at this time prevents the virus from duplicating.
Types and symptoms
Type 1: The canker sore
This type of mouth ulcer is a painful open sore inside the mouth. They are not contagious.
Type 2: Cold sore or fever blisters
These can be either on or outside the mouth, are red in color and are contagious.
