A Modern Sleep Apnea Treatment Solution: Fotona NightLase Laser Treatment
Sleep apnea can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to get restful sleep and leaving you feeling exhausted throughout the day. Traditionally, sleep apnea has been treated with CPAP machines, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for many patients. However, technological advancements have led to the development of modern, non-invasive sleep apnea treatments, such as Fotona NightLase® Laser Treatment.
At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, we use Fotona NightLase to help our patients with sleep apnea. Our Lake Oswego sleep dentist, Dr. Larry Bowden, can provide Fotona NightLase Laser Treatment to patients in Lake Oswego and surrounding areas such as Portland, Beaverton, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Tigard, and Sherwood, OR.
What is Fotona NightLase Laser Treatment?
Fotona NightLase Laser Treatment is a non-invasive laser therapy used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. This laser therapy uses laser pulses to stimulate collagen production in the soft tissues of the throat, causing them to become more rigid and less likely to vibrate or collapse during sleep.
This tightens the tissue on your soft palate, opening the airways so you can breathe more freely while sleeping. Fotona NightLase is gentle enough to be used on the sensitive tissue inside your mouth but strong enough to provide fast healing.
The Benefits of Fotona NightLase Laser Treatment
Unlike traditional sleep apnea treatments, Fotona NightLase Laser Treatment offers several benefits, including:
- Non-invasive and Painless: Fotona NightLase is a gentle and painless laser treatment. You’ll most likely just experience a mild warm sensation during the procedure.
- Faster Healing Time: Fotona NightLase uses laser technology to provide fast healing without surgery or chemicals.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: Fotona NightLase doesn’t involve any incisions, reducing the risk of infection.
- No Downtime: Unlike surgery, there’s no downtime with Fotona NightLase Laser Treatment. You can walk into our Lake Oswego office, receive your treatment, and return to your normal routine right away.
- Long-lasting Results: The final results typically provide you with restful sleep, free from snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, for up to a year. You can repeat the treatment at that time if necessary.
What to Expect During a Fotona NightLase Treatment
Initial Consultation
Before beginning any Fotona NightLase treatment, you’ll have an initial consultation with our sleep dentist to determine if this treatment is right for you. During this consultation, our dentist will examine your mouth and throat to assess the severity of your snoring or sleep apnea. They may also ask about your medical history and any medications you’re taking.
Treatment Sessions
Fotona NightLase treatments are typically performed over the course of several sessions. Each session lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, and the number of sessions required will depend on the severity of your condition and your body’s response to the treatment. Most patients undergo between three to six sessions spaced approximately two to four weeks apart.
The Laser Treatment
During a NightLase treatment session, you can expect to sit comfortably in the dentist’s chair while the dentist uses the laser to stimulate collagen production in the soft tissues of your throat. The procedure is non-invasive, and most patients report feeling a gentle warming sensation in the treated area. The laser energy causes the collagen fibers in the soft palate to contract, which reduces the tissue’s volume and prevents it from obstructing the airway.
Post-Treatment Care
After each NightLase treatment session, you can return to your normal activities immediately. There’s no downtime or recovery period associated with this treatment. However, patients should avoid smoking, consuming alcohol, or using any tobacco products for at least 24 hours after treatment. They should also avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or too cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fotona NightLase therapy is a gentle laser treatment that patients typically don’t consider painful. During the procedure, you may experience a mild warm sensation in the treated area. Your dentist will work to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the entire treatment process.
One of the major benefits of Fotona NightLase therapy is that there’s no downtime required. After the procedure, you can walk out of our dental office and return to your normal routine right away.
There are no special aftercare instructions, and you can continue to eat, drink, and brush your teeth as you normally would. However, we recommend avoiding hot drinks, smoking, and alcohol for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
The final results of Fotona NightLase therapy can provide restful sleep, free from snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, for up to a year. However, the length of time the results last can vary depending on a number of factors.
Common factors that influence the length of time laser therapy lasts include the severity of your sleep apnea, your overall health, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption. If you find that your sleep apnea symptoms begin to return after a year, your dentist can repeat the treatment to help you maintain the benefits of laser therapy.
The number of sessions required for Fotona NightLase therapy can vary depending on your individual needs and the severity of your sleep apnea. Typically, most patients require three to four sessions spaced approximately two to four weeks apart to achieve optimal results. However, this can vary based on the unique characteristics of each patient, and your dentist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
Sleep Your Best With Fotona NightLase Laser Treatment, Call Today!
Are you seeking effective sleep apnea treatment in Lake Oswego, or surrounding areas such as Portland, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Beaverton, Tigard, or Sherwood, OR? If so, look no further than our experienced sleep dentist, Dr. Bowden.
To schedule your consultation, call our office today at (503) 675-7300 or request an appointment online by clicking the button below. Our friendly team is dedicated to helping you achieve restful sleep and a healthier life. Don’t let sleep apnea disrupt your quality of life any longer — Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego today to take the first step towards a better night’s sleep.