SCHEDULE YOUR COLD & CANKER SORE TREATMENT TODAY!
COLD SORE AND
CANKER SORE TREATMENT
TARGET COLD & CANKER
SORE PAIN WITH OUR HIGH END LASER TREATMENT
COLD SORE & CANKER SORE PAIN
If you’ve ever had a cold sore or canker sore, you understand how uncomfortable it can be. Aside from the physical pain and discomfort, they tend to pop up in the most inopportune moments due to stress or environmental factors, and the embarrassment can make you want to go into hibernation until it runs its course. With laser treatment at Natural Smiles Dentistry, we can stop cold sores and canker sore pain in its tracks, drastically reduce healing time, and help you put your best face forward.
WHAT ARE COLD SORES?
Cold sores, commonly referred to as fever blisters, are a painful infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Most commonly they erupt on the outside of the mouth and lips, but can also appear on the nose, cheeks, or fingers. Blisters form which then break and ooze, and scab over. Cold sores usually last anywhere from 7 to 10 days but can remain for a period of weeks if left untreated.
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90% of the population will get at least one cold sore in their life, the first occurrence usually being the most severe. Cold sores usually affect children more-so than adults, as children can become seriously ill. After their first infection, most people will develop an antibody that prevents cold sores from reoccurring ever again. About 40% of American adults will have a reoccurrence.
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Cold sores are generally more of a nuisance than a serious health concern, however, it is important to note that the infection can be life-threatening for those infected with HIV/AIDS, or other immune deficiencies. The infection can cause blindness if it spreads to the eye, or meningitis or encephalitis if allowed to spread to the brain.
WHAT CAUSES COLD SORE PAIN?
Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus is passed from person to person by saliva (either directly, or by drinking from the same glass or cup) or by skin contact. Cold sores usually appear as clusters of tiny blisters on the lip. About 8 out of 10 people have the virus that causes cold sores. Most people are first infected before they are 10 years old.
WHAT ARE CANKER SORES?
Cold sores and canker sores are often confused, but they are not the same thing. Where cold sores are typically painful, fluid-filled blisters, caused by an infection and found outside the mouth, canker sores are typically caused by stress or injury and are found inside the mouth.
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Canker sores are small, shallow sores or ulcers that can occur anywhere in or around the mouth. Canker sores are not only embarrassing but also painful and can make eating and talking uncomfortable. There are two types of canker sores – simple canker sores, and complex canker sores.
Simple canker sores may appear three or four times per year and last up to a week. Simple canker sores usually occur in people ages 10-20. Complex canker sores are less common and occur more often in those who have previously had canker sores.
The exact cause of most canker sores is still unknown, unfortunately. Simple canker sores can be triggered by stress or tissue injury. Certain acidic foods can trigger or make canker sores worse, including lemons, oranges, pineapples, and strawberries. Sometimes a sharp tooth or dental appliance can cause a canker sore.
Complex canker sores can also be caused by an underlying health condition, including a weak immune system, nutritional deficiencies, and gastrointestinal tract diseases like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.
WHAT CAUSES CANKER SORE PAIN?
YOUR ADVOCATES FOR
TOTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Dentistry is not just about caring for teeth; it is about caring for people. With over 28 years of expertise in general, cosmetic, and advanced dentistry, you can trust your oral health is in good hands with Dr. Brickey and his professional team. Our goal is to provide compassionate, patient-driven dental care that helps instill a lifetime of healthy habits, a positive self-image, and an overall sense of well-being.
We also go the extra mile to ensure that we’re providing a service that’s both affordable and convenient, eliminating many of the common reasons patients give for not visiting the dentist regularly. With advanced technology and a friendly office staff that treats you like part of the family, we make a visit to our office a pleasure.
DIODE LASER TREATMENT
If you’re suffering from a cold sore or canker sore, don’t let it get the best of you! Our laser treatment is painless and only takes 5-10 minutes to stop a sore in its tracks. Our diode laser treatment can provide immediate relief from pain and discomfort, stop the infection from progressing, and instantly begin the healing process to drastically reduce healing time.
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Many of our patients find their cold or canker sores will have disappeared in a matter of days, rather than a few weeks had they left it untreated. Laser treatment can even help prevent sores from reoccurring in the future! Our diode laser can also be used to treat fever blisters, canker sores, bite trauma on the tongue and cheek, and painful burns of the mouth/lips.
So the question really isn’t ‘why should you get your cold sore treated,’ it’s ‘why wouldn’t you!?’
HAPPY CLIENTS
I have been getting cold sores since my early teens and they last a week or two of extreme pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. I decided to try something different than the usual ointments that tend to only mask the pain for a while. I made an appointment at Natural Smiles Dentistry to try out the Diode Laser treatment I can't even begin to tell you how amazing the treatment is, it WORKS wonders! The pain was completely gone quickly and the swelling went down tremendously. I can't believe how fast it healed. I cannot recommend this treatment enough! It's so quick, easy, and painless. And an added plus, everyone in the office is awesome and very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable when I was nervous about the treatment. A huge thanks to everyone on the team at Natural Smiles Dentistry! If you have a cold or canker sore, do NOT hesitate to get this treatment!
— Cherise Prestipino | Patient
The staff at natural smiles was exceptionally cordial and professional. I have struggled with cold sores my entire life, so I was thrilled to find them and their special laser treatment! I woke up this morning to my cold sore already feeling a million times better and almost gone after being treated yesterday! I highly recommend this place to anyone, not only for cold sore treatment but for a very comfortable and welcoming experience all around, I’m sure!
— Audrey Sinopoli | Patient
The Hygienist was very professional and knowledgeable about cold sores. He was willing to assist me with any questions I had, and I had many, since this was my 1st experience with a cold sore and it was huge and really ugly on my lip! My treatment was seamless and very effective! Highly recommend NSD!
— Sam Lee | Patient
I have always been very prone to canker sores, huge ones, for some reason. I have tried everything from hot and cold compresses, to creams and ointments. They dulled the pain but they lasted so long. I randomly discoved the diode laser treatment at Natural Smiles and I will never look back. Canker sores BE GONE! Thank you all so much!
— Chase Wayland | Patient
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
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DOES IT HURT DURING THE TREATMENT?During treatment some people feel nothing. Others may experience a warm sensation.
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DOES LASER TREATMENT REALLY WORK FOR COLD SORES?Unlike other cold sore treatments, like creams or ointments, lasers get to the root of the problem! The light energy destroys the local virus. The laser also helps your body heal faster because it increases the formation of collagen and fibrin!
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ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?Absolutely no side effects! It is safe to use on infants.
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WILL IT LOOK DIFFERENT AFTER?Immediately following the laser treatment, although the healing has started and the pain is gone, the lesion will appear the same. You will see a visual difference in 16-24 hours
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WHAT DO I DO AFTER THE TREATMENT?The best thing is to help your body fight the herpes virus. Dose up on your vitamins; drink water and your green drinks and rest!
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DO COLD SORES MEAN YOU HAVE A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION?Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) usually causes cold sores, and the herpes simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2) usually causes genital herpes. The actual sores are similar in appearance for both forms of the virus. It’s also possible for HSV-1 to cause sores on the genitals and for HSV-2 to cause sores on the mouth. Visible cold sores are contagious, but they may be spread even when they can’t be seen. You can get the herpes simplex virus by coming in contact with infected individuals. This may happen through kissing, sharing cosmetics, or sharing food. Oral sex may spread both cold sores and genital herpes.
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HOW LONG DO COLD SORES LAST?If not treated with the Diode laser, the first outbreak can last up to 2 weeks. There's no cure for cold sores, but with our laser therapy you will pain free and healed in 2-5 days.
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HOW DOES THE LASER WORK?Laser treatment seals the nerve endings giving immediate relief from itching, burning, tingling or pain and it biostimulates the area encouraging quicker healing. In the case of the herpetic lesion (cold sore), the viral particles are destroyed resulting in the transformation of the lesion from the active to the healing phase. If the herpetic lesion can be treated during the prodromal stage (the first signs of development) we can stop the lesion from ever manifesting.
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WHY HAVEN'T CREAMS AND OINTMENT LIKE ABREVA AND ZOVIRAK WORKED FOR ME IN THE PAST?Typical healing time with creams only works if used at the first sign of a cold sore. Our patients frequently comment on how much better the laser therapy works and they do not use any creams or ointments any more.
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HOW DO I PROTECT MY FAMILY WHEN I HAVE A COLD SORE?To prevent transmission and avoid spreading the virus, the following can be practiced: Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at cold sores. Touching them transfers the virus to the hands, allowing it to spread to the fingers, eyes, and to other people. Wash their hands frequently. This can help keep the virus off the hands, and so from being spread. Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, lip products, toothpaste, towels, or any items that might touch the mouth, especially when a sore is present. Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others when cold sores are present. This includes kissing, sexual contact, and contact sports.
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WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF A COLD SORE?A cold sore goes through five stages: Stage 1: Tingling and itching occurs about 24 hours before blisters erupt. Stage 2: Fluid-filled blisters appear. Stage 3: The blisters burst, ooze, and form painful sores. Stage 4: The sores dry out and scab over causing itching and cracking. Stage 5: the scab falls off and the cold sore heals.
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WHAT IF I AM PREGNANT/BREASTFEEDING WITH A COLD SORE? IS IT SAFE TO BE TREATED WITH A LASER?Absolutely! There are no contraindications for treating pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also safe to use on children.
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WHY AM I GETTING A COLD SORE?According to the Mayo Clinic, 90 percent of adults worldwide test positive for the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Once you have the virus, certain risk factors may reactivate it such as: infection, fever, or a cold sun exposure stress HIV/AIDS or a weakened immune system menstruation severe burns eczema chemotherapy dental work You’re at risk of getting a cold sore if you come in contact with the fluid of a cold sore through kissing, sharing foods or drinks, or sharing personal care items such as toothbrushes and razors. If you come in contact with the saliva of someone who has the virus, you can get the virus, even if there are no visible blisters.
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