Cold Sore Treatment
Cold sores can be painful and embarrassing, our skilled dental team offers laser cold sore treatment to provide you relief and get you smiling again.
Cold Sore Treatment in Bend, OR
Without treatment, cold sores typically heal within a few days of the initial breakout and vanish within a few weeks. Over-the-counter creams and ointments can help shorten healing times to three or four days. At Drew Family Dentistry, we believe in proactive cold sore treatment. Early diagnosis coupled with laser treatment can significantly enhance healing times and, in some cases, even prevent cold sores altogether.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
- Speedy Healing: Laser therapy accelerates the healing process, reducing downtime and discomfort associated with cold sores.
- Preventative Action: Administering laser treatment at the onset of symptoms can sometimes halt the development of cold sores, sparing patients from painful outbreaks.
- Minimally Invasive: Laser therapy is a gentle and non-invasive procedure, making it suitable for patients of all ages.
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What are cold sores?
Cold sores, also known as herpetic lesions, are small blisters that appear on the lip and around the mouth. They are caused by a herpes simplex (HSV-1) infection. Cold sore breakouts are a common occurrence that affects an estimated 67% of the global population. While there is no cure for HSV-1, healing time can be improved through laser treatment.
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How are cold sores treated?
If you feel the initial tingling sensation that accompanies a cold sore outbreak, call your dentist right away. Your dentist can diagnose your cold sore during a routine exam, at which time we will determine if laser treatment is right for you. Laser treatment works by destroying the virus and stopping the progression of the herpetic lesion, meaning you won’t experience more sores.
Here are the typical recovery times you can anticipate:
- Two days with laser treatment
- Four to five days without laser treatment
- Three to four days with ointment or cream
Fully developed lesions may not be treatable with our laser, so it’s important to catch the outbreak as soon as possible.
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What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are a common viral infection. They are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around your lips and are often grouped together in patches. After the blisters break, a crust forms over the resulting sore and will usually heal in two to four weeks without leaving a scar.
Cold sores spread from person to person through close contact, such as kissing. They’re caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) closely related to the one that causes genital herpes (HSV-2). They are contagious even if you can’t see them yet.
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How long do cold sores last without treatment?
Without treatment, cold sores typically heal within a few days of the initial breakout and disappear within a few weeks.
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Are there any natural remedies for cold sore treatment?
Some natural remedies, such as applying ice packs or using lemon balm or tea tree oil, may help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. However, their effectiveness varies, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative treatments.
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What creams or ointments can help with cold sore treatment?
Over-the-counter creams and ointments containing antiviral ingredients such as acyclovir or docosanol can help shorten healing times to three or four days.
More Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a cold sore treatment, contact our office and we'll be happy to help.
