For many, snoring is more than just an annoying sound. It can disrupt quality sleep and even lead to serious medical conditions. While CPAP machines can address disordered breathing, many patients find this therapy more disturbing than snoring! Instead, Dr. Makadia can treat the most common cause behind snoring—loose oral tissues—with Nightlase. This soft tissue laser makes these oral tissues firmer, so they don’t collapse into the airway. The procedure doesn’t involve any local anesthetic and has a high success rate. With three treatments over two months, you could breathe more easily while you sleep and allow you and your partner to get better rest!
Snoring and sleep–disordered breathing affect millions of Americans, both adults and children. One of the most common causes of snoring is excess loose tissue inside the mouth and throat. As air passes through the throat, this loose tissue vibrates, leading to that iconic sound we all call snoring. While annoying, snoring can also prevent someone from getting enough oxygen while they sleep, plus these tissues have the potential to collapse together and briefly cut off breathing entirely (which is sleep apnea).
The potential impacts of snoring are countless. The reduced quality of rest can make a person persistently tired despite sleeping for 7–9 hours, which drastically increases the risk for a motor vehicle accident as well as cardiovascular issues. A person’s relationships can be impacted by snoring as well, as disrupted sleep can make everyone in the household more irritable and even resentful to the snorer.
NightLase can quickly firm up loose oral tissue and dramatically increase the size of the airway. The laser machine energy is used to heat the tissues of the airway, causing a tightening effect, which helps to keep the throat open. It takes approximately 3 treatments spaced over 2 months. Each treatment takes about 15 minutes, and there is no need for anesthesia. The procedure is comfortable, and you can resume your daily routine right afterward. Most patients experience immediate results and see a reduction in snoring and sleep apnea symptoms by 50% or more.
NightLase is an effective solution to increase the size of the airway to reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms; however, it’s normal to have a few questions before you are ready to commit to it. Dr. Makadia understands you might be a little apprehensive, which is why he will explain everything during your consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to calm your nerves.
When performed by a qualified dental professional, NightLase is a safe, effective solution to stop snoring. It’s recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring. Many patients don’t experience any side effects or complications, other than a temporary sore throat. Although the treatment is safe, it’s not recommended for everyone. Dr. Makadia will review your medical history to ensure it’s an option for you.
Unfortunately, NightLase isn’t a permanent “cure” for snoring or OSA. You can expect your results to last for 6 to 12 months; however, Dr. Makadia can provide touch-up appointments for longer-lasting relief.
Laser-assisted snoring treatment has a high success rate, ranging from 70% to 95%. On average, 80% of patients report a significant improvement in snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. NightLase stimulates the production of new collagen in the throat and soft palate, making the tissues firmer to increase the size of the airway. As a result, it prevents the throat from collapsing while sleeping to decrease vibrations. You can expect to need multiple sessions to achieve maximum results. Although it is effective, it isn’t a replacement for traditional sleep apnea therapy.
NightLase is an FDA-approved method that uses laser energy to warm and tighten the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and throat. The minimally invasive laser treatment is a patient-friendly solution when used on the ideal candidate, like those that can’t tolerate a CPAP.
NightLase isn’t a surgical treatment nor a cure for OSA. As a result, it isn’t often covered by insurance. Most insurance plans cover diagnosis and treatment of sleep problems; however, snoring isn’t classified as a medical condition. If the procedure is deemed medically necessary, you may be able to use your benefits to offset the cost. Our office strives to keep the treatment affordable for everyone through various payment options, like third-party financing with CareCredit.
NightLase is a comfortable, gentle treatment that isn’t considered painful. Generally, patients report a mild warm sensation during the procedure. Many patients say it feels like having a fine mist of hot water sprayed on the tissue. Although you won’t have any pain during the procedure, some patients can experience a dry mouth or throat after a treatment session. Mild soreness may also occur; however, the discomfort is temporary and won’t affect your ability to eat or drink. Staying hydrated before and after your procedure can reduce the risk of dryness or irritation.
You don’t have to worry about taking time off work or a lengthy recovery because there isn’t any downtime with NightLase. You can resume your normal activities on the same day.