Laser Cold Sore Treatment

The common cold sore is caused by the herpes virus and is also known as recurrent herpes labialis. Although most people are exposed to the herpes virus, only a small percentage suffer from recurrent outbreaks.

If you catch the cold sore early with laser treatment, you can prevent the cold sore from breaking out. As soon as you feel that tingling sensation that warns you of an on-coming sore, schedule an appointment with EGO Dental for laser treatment.

If you already have a full-blown sore, the laser will take away the discomfort and help it to dry up and heal much faster.`

How does the laser cold sore treatment work?

Cold sore laser treatment is very effective against easing pain and discomfort that is usually experienced when you get a cold sore. It is also helping to quicken up the healing process.

The laser does not actually touch your skin, and the procedure is painless.

It is most efficient if done during the early stages of cold sores which is the “Tingling” stage!

The diode laser works by breaking down the nerve cells of the virus, creating instant relief and increases the production of collagen which helps the patient heal faster. After treatment, both the frequency and intensity of sores will decrease.

Laser therapy vs Cream

Aspect	Laser therapy	Acyclovir cream
Best stage	Tingling → blister → ulcer	Tingling (prodrome)
Healing time	2–5 days (often)	5–10 days
Pain relief	Immediate or same day	Mild–moderate
Can stop blister forming	Often yes	Sometimes
Works if sore already visible	Yes	Limited

Key difference:
Laser works even after the sore appears. Acyclovir works best before the blister forms.

Cold Sore Causes

• Stress
• Trauma
• Cold / flu / fever
• Sun exposure or sunburn
• Artificial UV light
• cold weather
• Physical strain
• Using steroids
• Hormonal changes including menstruation

Important facts

• This treatment will help with the much quicker HEALING of the symptoms – Will not remove the cold sore the same day!
• The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores can never be cured – the virus will stay in your body for the rest of your life.
• Importantly is that this treatment has individual response
• The cold sore will not disappear the same day!
• If you frequently get cold sores, laser treatment can actually reduce the number
• Because the herpes virus stays dormant in the facial nerves, there is a chance that it can flare up again later

Stages of cold sore

1. Tingling and itching stage
Many people feel an itching, burning or tingling sensation appearing

2. Blister Stage
Small fluid-filled blisters typically appear

3. Oozing and crusting Stage
The small blisters may merge and then burst, leaving shallow open sores that will ooze fluid and then crust over

Cold sores progress through 3 main stages and generally last 7-12 days before the scab falls off and healing is complete.

Cold sores are contagious at all stages – but fluid-filled blisters are considered the most infectious due to fluid draining from lesions filled with the HSV virus.

Dental Laser – General Q & A

What is a dental laser and how does it work?

A dental laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The beam of light produced by the laser has the ability to remove, vaporise, or shape soft tissues (gums, cheeks and tongue) or hard tissues (removal of decay).

How is laser beneficial in dentistry?

There are a lot of benefits to the laser treatments we offer at our dental clinic and practice:

• Versatile dental tools
• Minimally invasive surgery device
• Allows shorter treatment time
• Allows you to heal faster
• Reduces infection risks
• Laser treatments are cutting edge and precise
• Laser treatment can remove bacteria and symptoms more quickly and effectively then traditional treatments
• It can control bleeding during surgery
• Laser causes less loss of blood as compared to other dental therapies
• Post treatment – most of the time pain less – discomfort

Will it hurt?

Laser dentistry is wonderful because in many cases it will actually decrease any pain of a procedure and also reduce the need for you to require anaesthesia – no needles or injections. While no treatment is always painless, the laser may reduce the need for postoperative pain medication and may reduce swelling and bleeding.

Is laser safe within dentistry?

Our clinic has professional Dental laser experts who are experienced in their fields and conduct laser treatments in accordance with accepted clinical practices and standards.

We use dental laser in our day to day dental treatments.

If you are not comfortable with the process or have any queries, please feel fee to discuss it with our laser experts and they will explain everything in detail until you are satisfied.

Are any precautions necessary?

Yes. You will be asked to wear special eyeglasses to protect your eyes from the laser light beam.

What about bleeding?

Use of a laser means that there is less blood during soft tissue procedures than there would be with more traditional treatments.

What laser we use?

We use UK made medical Diode laser by QLaze.

Specification:

• Medium GaAlAs Laser Diode Class IV
• Wavelength: 810 +- 10 nm (nanometres) also available in 980nm
• Output Power: 0.1-5 watts
• Operation: Continuous wave or pulsed at 10, 20, 50Hz & adjustable up to 20000 Hz
• Pulse Width: 50ms, 30ms, 10ms & custom
• Fibre Optic: FC 200-400um single file multi-mode
• Aiming Beam: 650 nm red Diode laser 2 mW max – adjustable
• Sterilization: Handpiece (single use)
• Input Power AC: 100 to 240v, 1amp 47-63Hz DC: 5.1v 5ampLaser category MD1104 GMDN 60340