A cold sore, commonly known as a fever blister, is a small, fluid-filled blister typically found on or around the lips. These sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a common viral infection. Many individuals with a cold sore face a dilemma when they have a scheduled dental appointment, requiring careful consideration of both dental health and the active viral lesion.
The Risks of Attending Your Appointment
Attending a dental appointment with an active cold sore presents risks due to its highly contagious nature. The virus can transmit through direct contact with the infected lesion, contaminated dental instruments, or airborne droplets generated during dental procedures. Dental procedures that create aerosols, such as ultrasonic scaling or high-speed drilling, can spread the virus throughout the dental environment, putting dental staff and other patients at risk of infection. Dental professionals are susceptible to occupational infections like herpetic whitlow, which affects the fingers, or herpes keratitis, an eye infection.
Beyond the risk of contagion, an active cold sore can cause discomfort during dental treatment. The area around a cold sore is often sensitive, painful, and prone to bleeding. Dental tools, the stretching of the mouth during procedures, and general pressure can exacerbate this discomfort, causing the blister to rupture. Trauma to the sore during a dental visit may prolong its healing time or even lead to secondary bacterial infections, increasing pain and inflammation. Additionally, the stress and manipulation involved in dental procedures can sometimes trigger new outbreaks or worsen an existing one.
When to Postpone Your Visit
It is recommended to postpone a routine dental appointment if you have an active cold sore. An active cold sore refers to the visible lesion from the initial tingling sensation through the blistering, weeping, and scabbing stages. During these phases, the virus is highly contagious, when the blisters are fluid-filled and oozing. The contagiousness begins even before the sore is visible, often with a tingling or itching sensation, and continues until the sore has completely healed and the scab has fallen off.
For safety and healing, it is advisable to wait until the cold sore has fully resolved: the scab has detached and the underlying skin has returned to its normal appearance. This healing process typically takes between 7 to 14 days from the first symptoms. Prompt communication with your dental office is important as soon as you notice a cold sore developing. Informing them allows the office to manage their schedule effectively and helps prevent transmission within the clinic, ensuring safety. If there are no active symptoms, a routine appointment can proceed as scheduled.
Urgent Dental Needs with a Cold Sore
For urgent dental needs, such as severe pain, trauma, or suspected infection, contact your dentist immediately, even if you have an active cold sore. You should clearly explain both the dental emergency and the presence of the cold sore. The dental office will assess the urgency of your condition and determine the appropriate course of action.
For urgent cases, the dental team may implement precautions to minimize risks. Precautions include prescribing antiviral medication to reduce viral shedding, using enhanced personal protective equipment, or isolating the cold sore area during treatment. The dental professional will weigh the immediate need for treatment against the risks of viral transmission, ensuring necessary care while prioritizing infection control. The goal is to stabilize the issue while taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus.