Treatment of Canker Sores and Herpes Lesions Using Dental Diode Lasers

With latest advancements in Laser dentistry, previously untreatable and unsightly oral lesions such as  Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers or Oral Herpetic lesions (HSV-1), can now be vaporized and eliminated in as short as 1 or 2 appointments by application of BioLase laser at Modern Smiles dental office in North Hollywood.

Oral Apthous ulcers (canker sores) and Herpatic lesions are common oral diseases, which can be very painful and unsightly. Traditionally these lesions were treated with expensive antiviral medications such as Acyclovir or difficult to apply oral gels and steroids such as Dexamethasone, which came with a variety of undesired side effects and had delayed results.

New Diode lasers such as Biolase Epic X used by Dr. Tajik at Modern Smiles, use a deep penetrating laser light to activate photo-stimulation within cells of the body and eliminate pathogens by selectively targeting viral and bacterial components. The significant added benefit of this treatment is accelerated wound healing and immediate pain relief and expedited destruction of pathogens.

Treatment of Canker Sores – Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers

Aphthous ulcers,  commonly known as canker sores, are one of the most common oral lesions affecting about 10% of the population. These lesions are categorized as either Minor when they are 3-10mm in size, Major when more than 10mm in size, or as Herpetiform when they present as multiple connecting masses. Although, the exact cause of this ulcer is unknown, it is thought to be either viral or autoimmune and possibly originating from factors such as citrus fruits, trauma, immune disease, stress, lack of sleep, and some Vitmain deficiencies. Although these lesions often resolve overtime,  they can last a while and be very painful. Also, without definitive treatment these lesions tend to recur frequently and affect your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.

With low level laser light treatment these lesions can be effectively removed and treated in a short 30 min appointment without the need of anesthetic injections. Clinical research studies have shown that 75% of patients treated with Diode lasers reported a reduction in pain in the same session and total elimination of the lesion in as short as 4 days. Same lesions treated with traditional steroid medications took  7 days to resolve and if untreated over 14 days. Diode lasers quicker healing and reduced pain make it the ideal choice for treatment of these lesions and reducing their rate of recurrence.

Treatment of Recurrent Herpetic Simplex Lesions (HSV-1)

Oral herpes, also known as cold sores,  is a chronic viral disease caused by the HSV-1 strain. The lesions are usually characterized by visible fluid filled blisters that can occur around the lip line or inside the mouth.  Most people are exposed to the HSV-1 virus in childhood, however, only a small percentage develop the recurrent form of the disease which can very painful and unsightly.