Cold sores are annoying and unsightly, and last about a week. Fortunately, modern dental services can help reduce the duration of the outbreak and the pain associated with a lesion by using diode laser energy. The process takes approximately two minutes and is painless.
At Pound Ridge Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Helaine Smith and her team use advanced dental technology to provide comfortable, personalized care for a wide range of oral health concerns. For patients dealing with cold sores, the practice offers a thoughtful approach focused on relief, convenience, and helping you feel more comfortable with your smile.
Why Do People Get Cold Sores?
Outbreaks of cold sores tend to happen when the immune system is weakened: during or after an illness, during menstruation, when an individual is under stress, or when their lip is sunburned or injured. There are several topical treatment options available over-the-counter and prescription-strength to hasten healing and lessen pain. It is also possible for a person to have the herpes virus without visible cold sores.
Do lasers really work on cold sores?
Yes, they do! Evidence demonstrates the efficacy of laser use in the treatment of herpetic lesions. In a double-blind study, Brignardello-Peterson6 used a low-level laser on 60 patients; the control group received no laser therapy. Results showed a reduction in healing time for participants receiving laser treatment for a herpes labialis lesion. Participants reported less pain and a reduction in lesion size, compared to the group that did not receive laser therapy.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 participants with herpes labialis lesions, De Paula Eduardo et al9 found a significant reduction in healing time and a decrease in the recurrence of herpes lesions.
Namar et al8 reported a reduction in microorganisms post-laser therapy, resulting in faster healing. It remains unclear whether healing time improved due to exposure to the actual phototoxicity or the indirect thermal changes. The researchers suggest that healing time will vary depending on whether the laser wand is set to longer or shorter settings.
What type of laser is used on cold sores?
A Diode laser is used to treat cold sores.
Patient Testimonial
Amazing experience from the time you walk in to when you leave. Clean, professional, and honest. Have been to multiple dentists around Putnam/Westchester county…hands down the best. Will be going there for years to come!
How does a diode laser treat cold sores?
The heat energy from a diode laser breaks down the virus, allowing healing to occur within two days. The laser energy kills the surface virus, thus inactivating the lesion. In this process, nerve endings are cauterized, allowing the patient’s symptoms to resolve. The reduction in healing time is due to photobiomodulation (PBM), a form of infrared light therapy at a specific wavelength that stimulates cells to promote natural healing and reduce pain. Wound healing is increased by the formation of fibroblasts, motility of human keratinocytes, promotion of early epithelization, and enhancement of neovascularization.
Schedule your Cold Sore Treatment Consultation In Pound Ridge, NY!
Be sure to call our Pound Ridge, NY, office at 914.764.3540 to book your one-on-one cold sore treatment consultation! Or you can fill out the form on our contact page to schedule a meeting with one of our dentists. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
