Laser treatment for cold and canker sores
A soft-tissue laser can ease the pain of a cold sore or canker sore and speed healing in a single short visit, with no needles and no medication. Bathurst Centre Dental Care offers laser cold sore and canker sore treatment at our Thornhill clinic for patients from Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill and North York. For the best results, call us within the first two to three days of symptoms.
What is laser cold sore and canker sore treatment?
Traditional treatment for cold and canker sores involves the application of topical medications that are often not very effective. With advances in soft-tissue laser technology, dentists are now able to accelerate the healing of cold and canker sores by applying painless laser energy to the area.
When applied to canker sores, laser treatment helps to modulate inflammatory responses, reduce pain and promote tissue regeneration. When applied to cold sores, laser treatment helps to reduce virus count, reduce pain and increase the interval between recurrences. There are typically no side effects to laser cold or canker sore treatment.
Cold sore or canker sore: what is the difference?
Cold sores (fever blisters)
Caused by the herpes simplex virus and contagious. They appear as clusters of small blisters on or around the lips, often preceded by tingling, and crust over as they heal. They tend to recur in the same spot when triggered by stress, illness or sun.
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
Not contagious and not caused by a virus. They are small, round, white or yellow ulcers with a red border inside the mouth, on the cheeks, lips, tongue or gums, and can make eating and talking painful.
Is laser treatment painful? How long does it take?
Laser treatment of your cold or canker sore is completely painless and can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Larger lesions may require a second application.
No needles
The laser is held near the sore; most patients feel only gentle warmth.
Quick visit
In and out, with relief that often starts right away.
Call early
It is important to call us within the first two to three days of the onset of symptoms for laser treatment to be effective.
Where can I learn more about laser cold sore and canker sore treatment?
Below are two research papers that cover laser cold and canker sore treatment:
Cold sore and canker sore FAQs
As soon as you feel the tingling or see the first blister, ideally within the first two to three days. The earlier the laser is applied, the shorter and milder the outbreak tends to be. Call 905-707-8008 and let us know it is a cold sore so we can see you quickly.
Yes. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and spread by direct contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils, from the first tingle until the sore has fully crusted and healed. Canker sores are not contagious.
Most sores need a single treatment. Larger lesions may need a second application a day or two later. For people with frequent cold sores, treating each outbreak early can lengthen the time between recurrences.
There are typically no side effects. The laser does not cut or burn the tissue, so there is no bleeding, no numbness and no downtime.
Laser treatment does not cure the virus, but treating outbreaks early reduces the viral count in the area and can increase the interval between recurrences.
The exact cause is unknown. Common triggers include minor mouth injuries, stress, certain foods such as citrus and spicy foods, hormonal changes and some nutritional deficiencies. Sores that are unusually large, last more than two weeks or keep recurring should be examined.
Coverage varies by policy. We can check your plan when you call, and we explain the fee before treatment.
Have a cold sore or canker sore right now?
Call 905-707-8008 today. Laser treatment works best in the first two to three days, and the visit takes only about 15 minutes.
Hi , I have gum disease , my dentist recommended laser treatment , unfortunately he doesn’t have machine , please let me know if you can help me or recommend somebody who can do that treatment , thanks
Hi Olga, thanks for reaching out. Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 905-707-8008 to schedule an initial gum assessment appointment to see if you are good candidate for the laser treatment.
Can you do laser treatment for cold sores in children? My daughter is 8 and unfortunately gets them.
Hi Allison, laser cold sore treatment can be done safely for children. It should be done the first two to three days of the onset of symptoms for laser treatment to be effective.