Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a type of sleep breathing disorder that occurs when the airways are blocked. This condition is characterized by interruptions and pauses in breathing patterns. Interruptions may occur multiple times each night, and in some cases, they can last for up to a minute, disrupting the flow of oxygen to your brain. If untreated, sleep apnea can cause or contribute to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, weight gain, behavioral or mood disorders, excessive daytime drowsiness, and problems with the central nervous system, immune system, digestive system and hormone production. Some common signs of sleep apnea include:

• Snoring
• Extreme daytime fatigue or drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Headaches and migraines in the morning
• Waking with a dry or sore throat
• Depression, irritability and personality changes
• Gasping or choking sounds or sensations

NightLase Therapy

While we always seek to provide the most conservative treatments possible, more severe cases of sleep apnea may require surgical intervention to resolve. Using NightLase therapy, our team can offer laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUPP). This is one of the most common procedures for sleep apnea and works by removing excess tissue from the soft palate and pharynx to prevent them from collapsing and blocking your airways. When used in conjunction with an oral appliance, CPAP machine or snore guard, this treatment can increase air flow throughout the day, not just at night. NightLase is also becoming a great alternative for patients that can't tolerate a snore guard or c-pap. You can learn more about NightLase therapy at www.fotona.com.

In order to receive NightLase treatment, patients need an official sleep study and diagnosis from a medical doctor. For more information about surgical sleep apnea treatment, and to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists, please contact our office and speak with a member of our team.