Cold Sores or Herpetic Lesions are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth that are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are annoyingly noticeable and painful blisters.
Cold sores will usually start to heal within a few days and disappear within a couple of weeks. They heal at a slower rate than topical skin blisters because our mouth is in constant motion. Simply using your mouth for eating and talking can cause the blisters to split open and require the body to re-scab the area.
Treatment for Cold Sores include skin creams, ointments or sometimes pills. These treatments, though effective, can take time for pain relief and the treatment of the area. A more effective way to treat cold sores is through Laser Therapy.
What is Laser Treatment?
All the unpleasantness of a Cold Sore can be skipped with Laser Therapy offered at RiverWest Dental. Laser Therapy is a high tech, yet affordable treatment option that virtually erases the cold sore and takes away the pain.
Laser Therapy:
- Inexpensive
- Destroys the virus that causes the sore
- Immediate pain relief
- Prevents cold sores with early detection
- Stop the progression of the lesion
- Heals the area faster
- Treatment is completed in minutes
- Reduces the intensity and frequency of the sore recurring
Symptoms of a Cold Sore
The symptoms and warning signs of cold sores may include a tingling, itching or pain around your mouth and on your lips, a fever, a sore throat, or swollen glands in your neck or other parts of the body. After the blisters appear, the cold sores usually break open, leak a clear fluid, and then crust over. For some people, cold sores can be very painful.
If you start feeling any of these symptoms or feel a tingling sensation that warns you of an on-coming sore – schedule an appointment immediately to receive our Laser Treatment. If detected early enough, Laser Treatment can stop the Cold Sore from ever appearing. RiverWest Dental dentists will make every effort to schedule you within 24 hours of a Cold Sore needing treatment.
What are Cold Sores?
Sometimes called fever blisters, Cold Sores or Herpetic Lesions are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus that can not be cured. This virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. They can be spread when a person touches a cold sore or contacts the infected fluid from sharing eating utensils or razors, or through kissing or touching that person’s saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way.
If you have questions about Cold Sores or are wondering if one is developing – please give us a call.