A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is a small, painful blister that typically forms on or around the lips, although it can also occur in other areas of the face or inside the mouth. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually HSV-1), and they are highly contagious. They often start with a tingling or burning sensation and then develop into a cluster of fluid-filled blisters. Over time, these blisters burst, forming a crust or scab before healing.

It can provide pain relief by targeting nerve endings and promote faster healing by stimulating tissue regeneration. Laser treatment may reduce the frequency and severity of recurrent cold sores by inhibiting the herpes simplex virus. The precision of lasers minimizes damage to surrounding tissue, and many patients find the procedure relatively painless, often without the need for anesthesia.

Most cases only require a topical anesthetic applied to the area for 2-3 minutes. Talk with your dentist regarding a custom plan to keep you comfortable for this procedure.