Cold Sores

“I thought I had to live with cold sores forever, I haven’t had one in over a year now that i’ve done laser therapy at Toothlife Studio” 

What is a cold sore?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, painful, fluid-filled lesions that typically appear on or around the lips, but can also develop on the nose, chin, or inside the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is extremely common and highly contagious. 

Once a person is infected with HSV-1, the virus remains in the body for life, lying dormant in the nerve cells. Cold sores are often triggered by various factors such as stress, fatigue, illness, sun exposure, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system, which can reactivate the virus. The development of a cold sore usually follows a specific pattern. It often begins with a tingling, itching, or burning sensation on the skin, signalling the start of an outbreak. Within a day or two, small blisters appear, which can be painful and filled with clear fluid. These blisters eventually break open, leaving behind a shallow ulcer that begins to crust over and heal within a week or two.

Can I still go to the dentist with a cold sore? 

We may not be able to complete your scheduled appointment but YES you should still go to the dentist. What we do instead is treat the cold sore instead of whatever other treatment you had planned. 

Cold sores are highly contagious and can spread easily through direct contact, such as touching the sore or through contact with surfaces contaminated by the virus. During an active outbreak, the risk of transmitting the virus increases, and visiting the dentist while you have a cold sore can pose a risk to both dental staff and yourself. 

Dental procedures might irritate or worsen the cold sore, increase the risk of the cold sore spreading to other parts of your head and neck area, and potentially cause more discomfort or extend the healing time. If you’re experiencing a cold sore, please notify the dental office we have painless laser treatments we provide to patients to not only heal the cold sore but also prevent them from ever returning. 

How are cold sores treated?

At Toothlife Studio, we offer advanced treatment for cold sores using a state-of-the-art diode laser. This innovative approach not only heals existing cold sores but also helps prevent future outbreaks. The diode laser targets the affected area with precision, reducing pain and inflammation while accelerating the healing process. Additionally, the laser therapy works at a cellular level to disrupt the virus and minimize its ability to reactivate. This dual-action treatment not only provides rapid relief from current symptoms but also strengthens your defenses against future occurrences, offering a comprehensive solution for managing cold sores effectively.