Are you tired of sleepless nights due to snoring? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with snoring, which disturbs both their own sleep and their partner’s. While most people typically see their primary care physician for a referral to a sleep specialist, dentists are also healthcare professionals who can help with laser treatment.
Laser treatment for snoring uses a specific wavelength of length that tightens the soft palate’s collagen fibres (the proteins that repair and support cell structure). Several types of laser treatment exist, each with its own methods and technologies. They can be a noninvasive option for reducing snoring.
The Basics of Laser Treatment
There are several types of snoring, but the most common is mouth-based snoring, in which someone breathes through their mouth instead of their nose while sleeping. This can be caused by blocked nasal passages and enlarged tonsils, but most frequently by loose soft-palate tissue. When sleeping, if you’re breathing through your mouth, these soft-palate tissues vibrate, causing the noise.
Laser treatment for snoring involves using focused light energy to tighten and reshape the tissues in the throat and mouth. This can reduce the vibrations that cause snoring. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed in under an hour in a dentist’s office.
One of the most significant advantages of laser treatment is its convenience. Unlike traditional surgical options, which require substantial downtime, laser treatments are quick and have minimal recovery time. You can usually return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure, with fast results for getting better sleep without snoring.
Is Laser Treatment Effective for Treating Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a more serious condition than snoring, characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Laser treatments can be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea, reducing the severity of snoring and improving overall sleep quality. However, laser treatments may not be sufficient to treat sleep apnea alone.
For severe sleep apnea, additional treatments such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, custom oral appliances, or surgical interventions may be necessary. Fortunately, your dentist can also offer consults on managing sleep apnea.
Types of Laser Treatment
Just as there are different types of snoring, various kinds of laser treatments are available to treat snoring. Each type has its unique approach and benefits, though the most common are NightLase and Solea. Both are effective, but they differ in their methods and technologies.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine which type of laser treatment is best suited for your specific condition. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and needs.
NightLase
NightLase is a popular laser treatment for snoring. It uses a gentle, non-ablative laser to heat the tissues in the throat. This causes the collagen in the tissues to contract, tightening the area and reducing snoring. The procedure is typically done in three sessions, each about 20 minutes long. Patients often report noticeable improvements after just one session, with optimal results achieved after the entire treatment.
NightLase is known for its minimal discomfort and quick recovery time. Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure, making it a convenient option for those looking to address snoring without significant downtime.
Solea
Solea is another effective laser treatment for snoring. This technology uses a CO2 laser to gently reshape the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Reducing the size of the tissues that vibrate during breathing can significantly decrease snoring. This process is highly controlled and precise, ensuring that only the necessary tissues are affected. The laser energy also stimulates collagen production, further tightening the tissues over time.
A Solea treatment can be completed in a quick, 5-minute session with no post-treatment downtime. Most patients experience minimal discomfort or a slight warming sensation with a topical anesthetic spray during the procedure. Like NightLase, Solea offers minimal discomfort and a fast recovery time. Patients can expect to return to everyday routines shortly after the procedure, making it a practical choice for busy individuals.
Outdoor Dental specializes in treating snoring with the non-surgical Solea laser.
Is Laser Treatment for Snoring Safe?
Yes! Laser treatments offer a safe, effective way to address snoring with minimal pain and downtime. The risk of complications is low, and side effects are typically mild.
A topical anesthetic spray is applied to remove discomfort and prevent gagging, but otherwise, patients report only experiencing some mild discomfort, such as a sensation of mild heat or tingling.
Some patients may experience temporary soreness or irritation in the treated area after the procedure. These symptoms usually subside after twenty-four hours.
How Long Does Laser Treatment Last?
The longevity of laser treatment results can vary from person to person. On average, the effects of laser treatments like Solea last between 12 to 15 months. Results cannot be permanent due to the nature of collagen, which naturally relaxes over time. Some patients may want periodic maintenance treatments to sustain the results.
That said, the durability of the results depends on factors such as the severity of the snoring, lifestyle habits, and individual physiology. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper sleep hygiene and weight management, can prolong the benefits of the treatment.
Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist can also ensure that any recurrence of snoring is addressed promptly. They can recommend additional treatments or adjustments to your care plan as needed.
Outdoor Dental uses Solea laser dentistry to make your dental visit more comfortable and efficient. It offers a needle-free dental experience that reduces anxiety and works for dental procedures and advanced services. Contact us today to see how we can use laser treatment to relieve your snoring symptoms.
