Treat Your Cold Sores with Laser Dentistry in Flagstaff

Do you get cold sores a lot, particularly when you’re stressed? You’re not alone. About half of Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 have the virus that causes cold sores. But what are cold sores? How can they be treated? And how on earth can a dentist help with your cold sores? Well, get the answers to your questions about cold sores and laser dentistry in Flagstaff here in this post.

What are cold sores?

Often called fever blisters, cold sores are groupings of fluid-filled blisters that form on and around your lips. They come from a strain of herpes simplex virus that enters the body through close contact, such as kissing. After the blisters break, they become crusted, and it usually takes two to four weeks to fully heal. Cold sores typically don’t leave a scar, but they can return, sometimes to the exact same spot.

What are the symptoms of cold sores?

Before a cold sore fully develops, many people experience tingling, itching, or pain around their mouth or lips. You can also have a fever, sore throat, or swollen glands in your neck.

How can cold sores be treated?

There currently is no cure for cold sores, but you have several options for treatment, including over-the-counter ointments or creams. These solutions can reduce discomfort you’re feeling from the cold sores and speed up healing by one or two days. But the more effective and more advanced treatment option includes laser therapy.

How can a soft tissue laser treat cold sores?

A soft tissue laser is typically used to treat gum disease or a gummy smile, among many others, but it can also address cold sores. For sores that have already formed, the laser can take away discomfort, help the affected area to dry out, and help you heal much more quickly and efficiently. In fact, some patients have found that the sore doesn’t return to that same spot after laser treatment.

You don’t have to wait until the sore is fully developed to seek treatment. In fact, if you can tell a sore is coming from a tingly or itchy sensation, you should schedule an appointment soon. Laser therapy can actually prevent the blisters from breaking out in the first place.

What are the benefits of treating cold sores with laser therapy?

This kind of treatment has many advantages, including the following:

• Relief is immediate.
• The sore may not return to the same spot.
• You can heal faster.
• Treatment is quick and doesn’t require anesthesia.

In the end, you don’t have to suffer from your cold sores—you can do something about it. Although there is no cure, you can treat cold sores before they have a chance to cause you pain and discomfort. So the next time you feel a cold sore coming on, contact your dentist in Flagstaff for laser therapy and relief. Your lips with thank you!