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Are you someone who gets cold sores (fever blisters) on a fairly frequent basis? If so, you know how irritating and embarrassing they can be, especially if you have a job where you talk to a lot of people or need to make a good impression. And that’s not even considering special events like weddings, graduations, or celebrations where you want to look your best. The large sores can appear anywhere on your lips or around your mouth, being the sole source of distraction when you’re talking to other people.

The average cold sore takes about 10-14 days to run its course from the time you first feel it start to pop up. The tingling or burning sensation on your lips is one you know well. Within a couple of days, you’re seeing the tiny blisters start to form. And within a week, it’s usually crusting over and starting to heal, but still visible for several more days.

Why do I Get Cold Sores?

A cold sore is caused by a strain of the herpes virus, just like Chicken Pox and Shingles. So, once it’s in your body, it’s always there. But different things can make it flare up every now and then, especially if your immune system is strained. For example, being sick, super stressed out, or if you’re out in the sun it can cause a fever blister to pop up.

Cut Cold Sore Time in Half

Over-the-counter and prescription cold sore medications can help to manage the pain of a cold sore and keep it from getting as big, if you apply it soon enough. But if you’re looking for the best cold sore treatment, you’ll want to see our laser dentist in The Woodlands!

Laser cold sore treatment is another great alternative to managing fever blisters, because it can cut the lifespan of your cold sore in half. The key is to call your laser dentist (Conroe) as soon as you start feeling the tingling/burning sensations of a new blister. Catching it early is important! When you do, a soft tissue laser can treat the area in just a few minutes, stalling the sore’s development. Essentially, you’ll still get a lesion on your lip, but it won’t be as large or last as long as the normal cycle. Instead of it lasting 10-14 days, it might only last about a week.

Treating cold sores with a laser only works if the treatment happens soon enough. Waiting a couple of days into the blister’s development won’t help very much. If you’re someone who gets fever blisters often, you might want to ask your dentist about having a prescription to keep on hand just in case. But if you’re in Conroe and it’s during business hours when symptoms first strike, call a laser dentist right away! The sooner you do, the better outcome you’ll have.

Looking for a laser dentist (The Woodlands)? Our practice has served the community for over three decades, offering state-of-the-art, quality care in a friendly atmosphere. For expert advice on gum health, call us today!