Snoring
Snoring is a common problem affecting millions of Americans, which can not only be annoying, but also cause significant sleep deprivation for both the snorer and their partner. This can lead to daytime drowsiness, irritability, lack of focus and even decrease in libido. Clearly, this can be a contributor to relationship difficulties.
Apart from the social implications of snoring, there can also be significant health impacts. Snoring directly increases the risk of having a stroke. This is thought to be due to snoring causing disrupted blood flow through the carotid artery, which supplies oxygen to the brain. There is also a correlation between loud snoring and the risk of heart attack.
Dentists trained in the NightLase procedure are in a great position to help screen and in many cases treat these problems with airway management. Helping patients improve their sleep can profoundly improve their health, their quality of life and the well being of others.
Dental Smiles at Purcellville Gateway is pleased to offer NightLase, a ground breaking technique, to treat snoring and sleep apnea.
What causes snoring?
Snoring is caused by breathing through a partially obstructed airway. The sound is due to a vibration of tissue, mainly the soft palate and uvula.
Causes of airway obstruction include:
- Aging, leading to laxity of soft tissue in the oral cavity
- Increased fat around the throat due to being overweight
- Alcohol and other drugs relaxing muscles in the throat
- Dropping of the tongue when sleeping on one's back
Snoring can sometimes be improved without any treatment by losing weight, avoiding excessive alcohol, and sleeping on one's side. If these simple measures are unsuccessful, there are now effective laser treatments available for snoring.
How has snoring been treated?
Surgery:
This has the potential for significant side effects, including bleeding and infection. Scarring and associated problems can occur.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD):
These dental devices or splints are placed in the mouth while sleeping. These are uncomfortable to wear, can cause ulceration of the gums or even lead to repositioning of the teeth and an altered bite.
CPAP Machine :
This very effective 'Gold Standard' treatment for sleep apnea also stops snoring, but is cumbersome to use. Compliance with both MAD and CPAP treatment modalities shows a reduction over time and significant side effects.
However, NightLase snoring reduction therapy protocol is a unique approach to treatment using the Fotona Lightwalker dental laser with a proprietary protocol and handpiece.
NightLase therapy is INDICATED for cases when the patient has been diagnosed with chronic snoring, UARS, or mild to moderate sleep apnea and either cannot or chooses not to wear an appliance or CPAP device.
It can also be used as a CO-THERAPY with those devices and represents a less invasive alternative to current surgical, chemical or radio surgical options that may require hospitalization, general anesthesia or soft-tissue mutilation.
What is NightLase?
NightLase is an effective, safe, non-surgical and virtually painless procedure using a laser.
It is an alternative to dental splints or surgery and it can even eliminate the need for a CPAP machine in those suffering from mild sleep apnea.
NightLase is a simple walk-in and walk-out procedure, with no down time required.
There is no preparation required prior to treatment, and there is no need for pain killers, antibiotics or any other medications after treatment.
Advantages of NightLase
The NightLase laser is a ground breaking, gentle and effective treatment for snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.
NightLase employs the use of Fotona's LightWalker twin laser with a specifically designed handpiece to WARM, CONDITION, STRENGTHEN, TIGHTEN, and SHRINK the paraphryngeal tissues causing snoring and sleep apnea problems. This LESSENS or ELIMINATES the snoring and/or sleep apnea problems.
Non-surgical:
Unlike surgery, NightLase TM on a non-invasive procedure that doesn't involve injections, cutting, bleeding or sutures.
Virtually Painless:
There can be some mild discomfort due to heat during the procedure, but if necessary, this can easily be easily relieved with a local anesthetic spray.
No Down Time:
It is truly a walk-in and walk-out procedure, with no preparation required prior to the treatment and no disruption to activities afterwards.
No Complications:
There are NO reported problems with treatment and there is NO need for pain killers or antibiotics.
How does NightLase work?
Visit 1:
Our Purcellville dentists will perform a through medical assessment of your snoring and your suitability for laser treatment. One of the reasons treatment might not be effective is if you are very overweight.
Visit 2:
It's time for your FIRST 30 minute NightLase treatment. There is no special preparation required prior to this treatment, no significant discomfort during treatment, and you might find your snore less that night. You can immediately return to your normal life, but it is advisable to avoid hot drinks, hard foods and raising your voice excessively for a few days.
Visit 3:
You will have your SECOND 30 minute NightLase TM 3 weeks later. If there wasn't sufficient improvement after your first treatment, our Purcellville dentists might use a stronger laser setting.
Visit 4:
You will have your THIRD and FINAL 30 minute NightLase 3 weeks later. Hopefully this will result in long lasting relief from snoring.
Follow-Up Visit: One Month Later
Results have been shown to last up to one year!
When the patient notices the effects fading, another round of treatment is suggested.
Six (6) Months Later: We recommend a 'Collagen Boost Treatment' every 6 months to maintain your treatment.
