Cold Sore Laser Treatment: Faster Relief and Accelerated Healing

The virus that causes cold sores is extremely common; it's estimated that between 50% and 80% of adults in the United States have it. While not everyone with the virus develops cold sores, cold sores are still a common ailment, and the blisters are a source of pain, discomfort, and stress for many.  

How to Treat a Cold Sore: Common Treatments for Cold Sores

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes cold sores, and there is no permanent cure for this virus. This means that once a person contracts HSV-1, they have the potential to develop cold sores for the rest of their life. Despite the chronic nature of the virus, there are several approaches that individuals can take to address cold sore outbreaks, find relief, and accelerate healing. 

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Cold Sore Treatments

These home remedies and treatments are available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. They can provide some relief but are typically less effective than prescription treatments. 

• Topical anesthetics can be applied to the cold sore to ease pain. 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help alleviate pain and swelling. 
• Applying a cold compress to a cold sore can reduce pain and swelling, providing some relief. 
• Red light therapy devices might help accelerate healing. We recommend talking with a healthcare provider before purchasing a device to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

Preventative Cold Sore Care

Cold sore outbreaks often occur as a result of a weakened immune system or even as a result of high stress. Adjusting your lifestyle in a way that reduces and better manages stress will help you stay healthy. You can also eat a balanced diet (while focusing on high-lysine foods) and exercise regularly to strengthen your body and immune system. 

Additionally, supplements that support the immune system can help to reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks. Talk to your doctor about taking supplements such as L-lysine, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and even bee propolis. 

Prescription Cold Sore Treatments

Prescription cold sore treatments are more effective than home remedies and OTC treatments. A variety of prescription treatments are available including:

• Oral antiviral medications
• Topical antiviral medications
• Prescription-strength topical anesthetics

In-Office Cold Sore Treatment

Treatment for cold sores is also available in our dental office with a treatment called low-level laser therapy. We use a multiwave locked-state laser (MLS) device to apply highly concentrated, continuous low-level laser light at a wavelength specified for treating cold sores. 

How Does Laser Treatment for Cold Sores Work?

The highly concentrated blast of light energy from our MLS laser works by disrupting the HSV's process for replicating viruses inside the cold sore. Laser therapy achieves this viral replication disruption while also activating a cellular response in the patient's soft tissues that reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and accelerates healing. 

Is Laser Cold Sore Treatment Effective?

Laser cold sore treatment is safe and highly effective. Laser treatment for cold sores can simultaneously reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the cold sore outbreak. Laser therapy for cold sores might also help to ease future outbreaks by reducing their frequency and severity. 

The Importance of Prompt Intervention

Laser therapy for cold sores is most effective when administered early enough in the cold sore cycle. To achieve the best possible results, laser therapy should be administered as soon as possible. Optimally, laser treatment for cold sores should begin as soon as the patient begins feeling the telltale tingling sensations that start before a blister develops. 

What to Do When You Get a Cold Sore

As soon as you first notice the tingling sensations that occur right before a cold sore blister develops, you should contact our office immediately to request a laser therapy appointment. We can fit you into our schedule to administer a laser treatment to provide you with optimal results. 

If you are unable to come in right away, we still recommend treating a more advanced cold sore blister with the laser. Laser therapy, even when administered later in the cold sore cycle, can still provide immediate pain relief, accelerate healing, and even help prevent a future outbreak. 

We can also talk with you about prescription antiviral medications that can be used in conjunction with laser therapy treatment. Most patients find that using a multifaceted approach to cold sore treatment and prevention provides the best results. 

How Much Does Cold Sore Laser Treatment Cost?

On average, the cost of cold sore laser treatment ranges from about $50 to $200. Cold sore laser treatment prices can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the cold sore, the number of treatment sessions, and the type of laser used by the treatment provider. 

Since the treatments are considered medically required, dental insurance providers commonly provide full or partial coverage for cold sore laser treatment. 

If you are considering laser treatment for cold sores and are concerned about the potential costs, our office team can provide you with an estimate and help you navigate your insurance policy so that you can better anticipate your final out-of-pocket treatment expense. 

Get Fast Relief With Laser Treatment for Cold Sores in Encinitas, California

If you suffer from cold sores, you can find relief and improve the quality of your life with laser treatment at Sinclair Smiles. Our dentist can work with you to provide you with immediate relief and accelerated healing while helping you manage a multifaceted approach to cold sore treatment, management, and prevention. 

To learn more about laser cold sore treatment or to request a laser treatment session with our dentist, we welcome you to contact Sinclair Smiles in Encinitas, California today.