Frequently Asked Questions About Canker Sore Treatment
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores can appear on your cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. They are small, round sores that can make it hard to eat, drink, or talk. Treatment helps reduce pain and helps the sore heal more quickly.
Getting treatment for canker sores is a simple but important way to stop the pain and prevent bigger problems, like infections.
How can I tell if I need treatment for a canker sore?
Look for these signs:
The sore is very painful and makes it hard to eat or drink.
The sore is larger than usual or doesn't start healing after a few days.
You keep getting canker sores over and over again.
The sore lasts longer than two weeks.
If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call us so we can check your canker sore and help you feel better.
Does canker sore treatment hurt?
No! We want you to be comfortable. Most canker sore treatments don't hurt at all. If needed, we can use a gentle numbing gel to make the area more comfortable before we start treatment.
Treatments like topical gels and laser therapy are very gentle. Most patients feel relief right away and say the treatment is easy and comfortable!
How long does it take for a canker sore to heal with treatment?
How quickly a canker sore heals depends on the treatment we use and how big the sore is.
With topical gels or creams, most canker sores start feeling better in 3 to 5 days and heal completely within 1 to 2 weeks.
With laser therapy, many patients feel relief immediately! The sore often heals much faster—sometimes in just a few days.
Mouth rinses can help speed up healing, especially when you have more than one canker sore at a time.
A note about healing: If your canker sore doesn't start getting better after a week of treatment, or if it gets worse, please contact our dental team right away! We can check the sore and adjust your treatment if needed.
Can canker sores come back after treatment?
Yes, sometimes. Some people get canker sores more often than others. Things like stress, certain foods, or small injuries in your mouth can cause them to come back. We can help you find ways to prevent canker sores and treat them quickly if they do return.
Is laser therapy better than other canker sore treatments?
Laser therapy is a very effective treatment option! It works quickly to reduce pain and helps canker sores heal much faster than other treatments. Many patients feel relief right away after laser treatment. We can help you decide if laser therapy is the best choice for your canker sore.
