A Modern Sleep Apnea Treatment Solution
Sleep apnea treatments have come a long way in recent years, as more and more people search for CPAP alternatives and try to treat sleep disorders in a more holistic way. A modern solution for sleep apnea includes laser dentistry, especially treatments using the Fotona NightLase®.
At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, we are now using NightLase® Laser treatment to help our patients with sleep apnea. If you’re suffering from sleep apnea in Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, or Tualatin, our resident sleep dentist, Dr. Larry Bowden, can help.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is not entirely new—in fact, lasers have been used in the practice of dentistry since the early 1990s. However, in recent years, technological advances have allowed us to use laser dentistry in many new ways. The top benefits of laser dentistry include:
- Less pain and discomfort than traditional dental tools
- Faster healing time
- Reduced risk of infection
- Use of anesthesia can often be avoided
- Causes less damage to surrounding gum tissue
To learn more about the benefits of laser dentistry services, call our office or fill out an online appointment request form. We’d love to meet with you at our Lake Oswego office.
Laser Dentistry and Sleep Apnea
Are you suffering from sleep apnea in the Portland area? If so, you might be surprised to learn that laser dentistry is now being used to help sleep apnea patients. Sleep apnea is a serious health issue that causes interruptions in your breathing throughout the night, so seeking treatment is imperative.
Traditionally, sleep apnea has been treated with CPAP machines, which blow streams of oxygen into your airway while you sleep. But many patients find this option to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. This leads to them not wearing their CPAP masks at all, defeating the purpose of them.
Here at Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, we now use the Fotona NightLase® to treat sleep apnea. The non-invasive laser shrinks down your oral tissue in order to open your airway, allowing you to breathe properly.
How the Fotona NightLase® Treats Sleep Apnea
So… how do we use laser dentistry to treat obstructive sleep apnea? Fotona’s patented laser optimizes the length of laser pulses and allows the safe penetration of heat into oral tissue. The laser tightens the tissue on your soft palate, opening the airways so you can breathe more freely while sleeping. While it’s gentle enough to be used on the sensitive tissue inside your mouth, it’s also strong enough to provide fast healing.
Typically, a full course of NightLase® involves three separate treatment sessions over a two month period. You will not have to wear a device during sleep, and there is no chemical treatment involved. It is comfortable, safe, and easy.
Fotona’s NightLase® therapy’s main benefit is to increase the quality of your sleep. By reducing the effects and decreasing the amplitude of snoring through its gentle laser treatments, you’ll snore less and enjoy a longer, more restful sleep.
NightLase® FAQ
Is Fotona NightLase® therapy painful?
This gentle laser treatment is typically not considered painful by our patients. You will most likely just experience a mild warm sensation during the procedure.
How long is the recovery period?
Unlike having surgery, there is no downtime with NightLase® therapy. You can walk into our lake Oswego office, receive your treatment, walk out, and return to your normal routine right away.
How long do the results from laser therapy treatment for sleep apnea last?
The final results typically provide you with restful sleep, free from snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, for up to a year. The treatment can be repeated at that time if necessary.
Laser Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR
Are you looking for sleep apnea treatment in Lake Oswego, or surrounding areas such as Portland, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Beaverton, Tigard, and Sherwood, OR? Let our sleep dentist, Dr. Larry Bowden, help. Call our office today at (503) 675-7300 or fill out our online contact form to request an appointment. Our team will be happy to help you sleep more soundly.