TMJ & SLEEP THERAPY CENTRE OF UTAH

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Cold Sores

Cold sores can be painful, persistent, and frustrating—especially when they reappear in the same spot. One of the most advanced in-office treatments available today is the CO₂ laser. Here’s a brief look at how it works and why it can be effective for cold sore removal.
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    What Is a CO₂ Laser?

    A CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser is a medical laser that emits a concentrated beam of light at a wavelength highly absorbed by water in the skin’s cells. Because our skin tissue contains a high percentage of water, the laser energy can precisely target and vaporize affected tissue without significantly impacting the surrounding healthy skin.

    How the CO₂ Laser Treats Cold Sores

    Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate periodically. When a cold sore outbreak is in its early stage—or even fully developed—the CO₂ laser can be used to:
    • Ablate the lesion: The laser gently removes the infected surface tissue by vaporizing the cells that contain active virus particles.
    • Reduce viral load: By destroying the affected tissue, the laser helps decrease the concentration of the virus at the site.
    • Stimulate healing: The laser energy also promotes collagen remodeling and triggers the body’s natural healing response, often leading to faster recovery.

    What to Expect During Treatment

    The procedure is typically performed in-office and takes only a few minutes. A topical anesthetic may be applied to ensure comfort. Patients often describe the sensation as brief warmth or mild stinging. After treatment, the area may appear slightly red or swollen for a short time. Healing generally occurs quickly, and many patients experience reduced pain and shorter outbreak duration compared to letting the sore heal on its own.

    Potential Long-Term Benefits

    In addition to treating an active outbreak, some patients report fewer recurrences in the treated area. While the laser does not cure HSV-1 or eliminate the virus from the body, it may help disrupt the pattern of repeated outbreaks at the same site.
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    Is CO₂ Laser Cold Sore Treatment Right for You?

    CO₂ laser treatment is best performed early in the outbreak process—ideally at the first sign of tingling or redness. A consultation with a qualified medical professional can determine whether this option fits your needs.

    If you struggle with frequent or severe cold sores, CO₂ laser therapy may offer a fast, precise, and effective solution to reduce discomfort and speed healing.

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    Doctor Gunnerson
    Meet Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson

    Your TMJ & Sleep Apnea Dentist in Payson, UT

    Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson is a clinician dedicated to helping people reclaim comfort, balance, and better sleep through advanced TMJ and sleep therapy. With a deep understanding of how airway, muscle, and joint function work together, he takes a whole-body approach to restoring natural alignment and long-term wellness.

    As a graduate of the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, where he excelled in the top five percent of his class, Dr. Gunnerson has invested thousands of hours in post-graduate education to ensure he provides top-tier care to his patients in Payson.

    Known for his approachable style and genuine care, Dr. Gunnerson believes that healing starts with understanding, not just treating symptoms. His work blends clinical precision with real-world practicality, helping patients experience life free from the pain, tension, and fatigue that often go unnoticed for years.

    Whether in the clinic or behind the podcast mic, his goal is simple: to help people breathe better, sleep better, and live better.

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    Doctor Gunnerson
    Meet Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson

    Your TMJ & Sleep Apnea Dentist in Payson, UT

    Dr. K. Cheyn Gunnerson is a clinician dedicated to helping people reclaim comfort, balance, and better sleep through advanced TMJ and sleep therapy. With a deep understanding of how airway, muscle, and joint function work together, he takes a whole-body approach to restoring natural alignment and long-term wellness.
    As a graduate of the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, where he excelled in the top five percent of his class, Dr. Gunnerson has invested thousands of hours in post-graduate education to ensure he provides top-tier care to his patients in Payson. 
    Known for his approachable style and genuine care, Dr. Gunnerson believes that healing starts with understanding, not just treating symptoms. His work blends clinical precision with real-world practicality, helping patients experience life free from the pain, tension, and fatigue that often go unnoticed for years.
    Whether in the clinic or behind the podcast mic, his goal is simple: to help people breathe better, sleep better, and live better.
    Meet Dr. Valenzuela

    Empowering Health Through Restful Sleep and Whole-Body Wellness

    Dr. Valenzuela is a triple board-certified physician who focuses on helping pediatric and adult patients achieve optimal health through quality sleep and a general approach to wellness. With a focus on sleep and its impact on overall well-being, Dr. V is dedicated to helping individuals feel well-rested and refreshed, every single day.

    Dr. Valenzuela
    Dr. Valenzuela
    Meet Dr. Valenzuela

    Empowering Health Through Restful Sleep and Whole-Body Wellness

    Dr. Valenzuela is a triple board-certified physician who focuses on helping pediatric and adult patients achieve optimal health through quality sleep and a general approach to wellness. With a focus on sleep and its impact on overall well-being, Dr. V is dedicated to helping individuals feel well-rested and refreshed, every single day.

    Doctor Gunnerson
    Meet Dr. Mindy Lunceford

    Your Myofunctional Therapy Specialist & RDH in Payson, UT

    Since graduating from Dental Hygiene school in 1997, I've been on a mission to help smiles shine a little brighter and lives feel a little healthier. In 2020, I added myofunctional therapy to my toolkit, blending science and care to support both kids and adults on their path to better health. There's nothing quite like seeing someone thrive-and knowing you played a small part in that transformation. I've been joyfully married since 1995, and life has blessed us with five amazing adult children and two sweet grandchildren who keep our hearts full and our schedules delightfully busy. When I'm not working, you'll likely find me with soil on my hands in the garden, a spoon in my hand in the kitchen, or a suitcase by the door—ready for the next adventure. I have a soft spot for baking (especially with real, high-quality vanilla), musicals, cozy theater nights, and wandering through beautiful places. Switzerland and Japan are among my favorite travel destinations, but a piece of my heart will always belong to Grenada, West Indies, where I lived for nearly two years. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving-because food, family, and gratitude are the best combination. I believe caramel apples are a perfectly acceptable snack at any time of year, that shrimp and steak are better when shared, and that nothing beats the flavor of a sun-warmed, freshly picked peach. And if you ask me what my favorite color is, I'll say: the colors of sunrise and sunset—because that's when the world feels most magical.

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    Doctor Gunnerson
    Meet Dr. Mindy Lunceford

    Your Myofunctional Therapy Specialist & RDH in Payson, UT

    Since graduating from Dental Hygiene school in 1997, I've been on a mission to help smiles shine a little brighter and lives feel a little healthier. In 2020, I added myofunctional therapy to my toolkit, blending science and care to support both kids and adults on their path to better health. There's nothing quite like seeing someone thrive-and knowing you played a small part in that transformation. I've been joyfully married since 1995, and life has blessed us with five amazing adult children and two sweet grandchildren who keep our hearts full and our schedules delightfully busy. When I'm not working, you'll likely find me with soil on my hands in the garden, a spoon in my hand in the kitchen, or a suitcase by the door—ready for the next adventure. I have a soft spot for baking (especially with real, high-quality vanilla), musicals, cozy theater nights, and wandering through beautiful places. Switzerland and Japan are among my favorite travel destinations, but a piece of my heart will always belong to Grenada, West Indies, where I lived for nearly two years. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving-because food, family, and gratitude are the best combination. I believe caramel apples are a perfectly acceptable snack at any time of year, that shrimp and steak are better when shared, and that nothing beats the flavor of a sun-warmed, freshly picked peach. And if you ask me what my favorite color is, I'll say: the colors of sunrise and sunset—because that's when the world feels most magical.

    We Look Forward
    To Meeting You

    Start your journey to better sleep and lasting relief. At The TMJ and Sleep Therapy Centre of Utah, we help you live pain-free and wake up refreshed. Reach out today to begin your transformation.

    (385) 446-4947
    (385) 458-3042 (Text Only)
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    (855) 521-1331 (Fax)
    office@tmjsleeputah.com
    33 W 300 South Suite 1,
    Payson, UT 84651

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