Canker Sore Laser Treatment

Treating canker sores with lasers offers an effective solution for relieving the discomfort associated with these painful ulcers found inside the mouth. Unlike cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus and primarily affect the outer lip surface, canker sores are non-contagious lesions typically found on the tongue, inside of the lips, cheeks, and throat. These yellowish lesions with a raised red border afflict approximately 23% of the general population and can last anywhere from 10 to 14 days.

Various factors can contribute to the development of canker sores that include acidic or spicy food, diabetics, immune deficiencies, stress, niacin, and or folic acid deficiency, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Also an allergic reaction to one’s own tissue that is usually accompanied when a person has a cold, overcoming a cold, or is going to be getting a cold. Additionally, some underlying conditions such as genetic predisposition or immune diseases such as lupus, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, HIV/AIDS, and inflammatory bowel conditions may predispose individuals to recurrent canker sores.

The symptoms for canker sores include burning, tingling, prickling sensation, slight or severe pain, difficulty, swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes. You may develop a thrush infection, fever, and sometimes weight loss. While there is no definitive cure for canker sores, symptomatic relief can be achieved through various treatments, including topical medications, such as Tantum, and oral rinses. Taking vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements can help. You may also want to try a prescription medication called Debacterol, and the use of painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

However, at Bhandari Dental we offer an additional, highly effective treatment option for canker sores; and that is using a soft tissue diode laser. The 980 nm soft tissue diode laser treatment used at our clinic delivers immediate relief without the need for local anesthesia, and typically takes just five minutes to perform.

The laser is pain-free, and works by increasing lymphatic fluid flow thereby decreasing swelling immediately. It increases collagen production in the area used which enhances healing, and it also causes a release of the body's own opioids, such as endorphins and enkephalins, which provides immediate pain relief. It also sterilizes in the area in which it is applied to enhance healing.

At Bhandari Dental, with our advanced canker sore laser treatment, patients can experience significant relief from canker sore discomfort and enjoy improved oral health and well-being. Contact us to schedule an appointment! After all, smiles should always be pain-free