If a canker sore appears before a scheduled dental appointment, the decision to keep or reschedule the visit depends on several factors. These include the size and location of the sore, and the type of dental procedure planned. Since canker sores are not contagious, unlike cold sores, the choice ultimately comes down to patient comfort and the practical difficulty of performing the dental work.
What Canker Sores Are and Why They Matter to Dentists
Canker sores, medically known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that form on the soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the tongue, inner cheeks, or gums. They appear as round or oval ulcers with a white or yellowish center and a distinct red border, causing pain when eating, talking, or brushing. Unlike cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus, canker sores are not viral or contagious. They are thought to be triggered by minor trauma, stress, or nutritional deficiencies.
The presence of an active canker sore complicates dental procedures primarily because of mechanical irritation. Dental instruments like scrapers, suction tools, or mirrors can easily brush against the sore, causing sharp pain. Many procedures require the dental team to stretch the cheek or lip with retractors to access the back of the mouth, which can aggravate a sore located on the mucosal lining. Contact with the ulcer can also cause further trauma, potentially delaying the sore’s natural healing process.
Deciding Whether to Attend or Reschedule Your Appointment
The decision to attend or reschedule revolves around the severity and location of the canker sore versus the invasiveness of the procedure. If the sore is small, mild, and situated away from the working area (such as under the tongue), keeping a routine check-up or cleaning appointment is often manageable. Dentists are accustomed to working around minor oral irritations and can adjust their technique.
Consider rescheduling if the sore is large, extremely painful, or located directly on the inner cheek or lip where significant retraction is necessary. Invasive procedures like extractions, fillings, or root canals require extensive mouth opening. These procedures may involve tools that will inevitably contact or stretch the affected tissue, leading to intense discomfort and potential re-injury. If the sore is a major aphthous ulcer (larger than 10 millimeters) or is causing difficulty opening your mouth, rescheduling is advised.
It is recommended to call your dental office immediately to discuss the situation before deciding to cancel. The dental team can evaluate the procedure type and location of your sore, offering guidance specific to your case. For same-day appointments, a quick phone consultation is the fastest way to determine if proceeding is feasible or if postponing is the better option for your comfort.
Managing the Sore During Your Dental Visit
If you keep your appointment, you can take proactive steps to minimize discomfort, and the dental team can make adjustments. Before arriving, apply an over-the-counter topical anesthetic gel containing benzocaine directly to the sore for temporary numbing. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen about an hour before your visit can also help manage inflammation and pain sensitivity.
Upon arrival, clearly communicate the exact location of the canker sore to the hygienist or dentist so they can modify their approach. The dental professional may apply a stronger topical numbing agent, such as a prescription lidocaine gel, directly to the ulcer before beginning the work.
Pain Relief Options
In some cases, the dentist might use a chemical cautery solution like silver nitrate to seal the sore’s nerve endings, which offers near-instant pain relief. Adjustments in technique, such as using smaller instruments or avoiding aggressive cheek retraction, will be employed to ensure the procedure is completed with the least amount of aggravation to the sore.