Take control of your health today
Snoring is more than just an annoying nighttime sound. It affects 45% of adults and can disrupt not only your sleep but also your relationships. NightLase laser snoring treatment offers a non-surgical solution that promises peaceful nights and restored relationships. At Sloan Creek Dental, we offer this innovative treatment that offers hope for snorers and their sleep-deprived partners.
Snoring may seem like a minor issue, but it is caused by the vibration of soft tissues in the throat during sleep. It can be caused by various factors, such as structural abnormalities, obstructive sleep apnea, allergies, or lifestyle habits. The consequences of snoring are significant, leading to sleep deprivation, daytime fatigue, and even relationship problems for both the snorer and their partner.
“Pain, sleep deprivation, and stress affect so many people and creates such negative consequences. As a medical professional, there is nothing more rewarding to me than to be able to empower my patients and restore their quality of life.”
– Dr. Tina Feng
NightLase is a laser treatment that helps to address snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves using a laser to tighten the soft palate tissues in the oral cavity. NightLase gently heats and contracts the collagen fibers in the tissues, which aims to reduce snoring and alleviate the severity of sleep apnea symptoms. This treatment is typically performed in a series of sessions, and its effects can vary among individuals.
– NightLase uses laser light to reduce vibrating throat tissues
– It is a non-invasive procedure
– NightLase improves sleep and combats fatigue
– It tightens collagen fibers in the soft palatal tissues of the throat
– Treatment consists of four to six separate treatment sessions
We offer kind and gentle treatment, with comfort a top priority
Experienced & Compassionate Team of Dentists
We’re honest and authentic, and we want all of our patients to feel they are in good hands
During the procedure, a laser safely and gently heats the soft palate. This controlled heating induces minor injuries to the soft tissue. The body’s natural healing mechanism kicks in and the resulting healing and regeneration of these tissues causes the soft palate to constrict and become firmer.
This contraction and subsequent firming process widens the airway, reducing the potential for the soft tissues to vibrate during sleep, which is the leading cause of snoring. The entire treatment usually involves four to six sessions over a period of nine to twelve weeks, and each appointment typically lasts around 30 to 45 minutes. Patients usually experience immediate improvement after each session, and the final results generally last up to a year or longer.
The best candidates for NightLase therapy are those experiencing mild to moderate snoring issues or sleep apnea. Since the treatment focuses on tightening the soft tissues in the back of the throat to minimize soft tissue vibration, those who suffer from snoring due to respiratory issues related to obstructed airways may benefit most from NightLase. If a CPAP machine or an oral appliance has been recommended to you, NightLase is an excellent treatment option for your needs as it will reduce the effects of sleep apnea. However, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if you are a suitable candidate for NightLase therapy.
The NightLase procedure involves an initial consultation, minimal preparation, and the application of laser energy—typically taking less than an hour without the need for anesthesia.
Initial Consultation: Before beginning with NightLase, you will have an initial consultation with Dr. Feng. In this consultation, she will evaluate your snoring problems and discuss your desired treatment outcomes. You will have the chance to ask any questions or raise concerns, and Dr. Feng will explain the procedure in detail.
On the day of your NightLase® treatment, here’s what you can typically expect:
The Procedure: During the procedure, you will be comfortably seated while Dr. Feng uses a special handpiece to gently heat the tissues within your mouth, specifically targeting the oral mucosa tissue. Although the process is generally pain-free, you may experience a mild sensation of heat, similar to that of having a fine mist of hot water sprayed in the area. The process typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and no anesthesia is required.
Immediate Aftercare: Post-procedure, you can resume regular activities immediately without needing any specific aftercare regimen. After the procedure, some patients might experience a slight sore throat, and staying hydrated is recommended by drinking ample water.
What’s Next: The number of NightLase treatments and individual experiences may vary, but treatment typically consist of four to six sessions at three-week intervals. Although you may observe some immediate effects, the most significant improvements will likely appear after completing the entire treatment plan.
Generally, snoring can lead to poor sleep and is indicative of an underlying health condition such as sleep apnea. The act of snoring is a result of a partial obstruction of the breathing passage, which generates the characteristic sound, while sleep apnea distinguishes itself by a total obstruction of the airway persisting for a minimum of 10 seconds. During a sleep apnea episode, the individual’s respiration ceases for that duration of 10 seconds or even longer.
Snoring can disrupt your sleep and that of others, but there are several strategies you can use to reduce its occurrence:
1. Adjust Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to collapse to the back of your throat, blocking the airway and causing you to snore. Try sleeping on your side or stomach instead.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Weight gain, particularly around the neck, can limit your airway when you lie down and cause snoring. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce snoring.
3. Limit Alcohol and Sedatives: Substances like alcohol before bedtime relaxes the muscles in the throat, which can obstruct the airway. Try to limit your intake, especially before bed.
4. Quit Smoking: Smoking can irritate and inflame the throat and nasal passages, causing congestion that results in snoring.
5. Stay Well-Hydrated: Not drinking enough water can lead to thicker mucus in the throat and nose, which can cause snoring.
6. Follow a Sleep Schedule: Regular sleep patterns can improve sleep quality and reduce snoring.
7. Use a Humidifier: Dry air can contribute to congestion, which can cause snoring. A humidifier can help maintain moist airways.
8. Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can help maintain healthy muscle tone, including in your throat, potentially reducing snoring.
9. Avoid Heavy Meals Before Bed: Eating a lot just before bedtime can pressurize the diaphragm and limit air passage, leading to snoring.
Remember, persistent snoring may be an indication of serious conditions like sleep apnea, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you or your partner notice continuous loud snoring, gasping, or choking noises during sleep.
An initial examination in the dentist’s office can reveal indicators of this sleep disorder. At Sloan Creek Dental, we take a complimentary CBCT scan of your mouth and neck as part of an oral examination. The images from these X-rays can unveil abnormally large tissues in the throat or blockages in the airway that could be contributing to sleep apnea.
If Dr. Feng suspects that you might be suffering from sleep apnea based on the signs detected during the examination, she will mention it to you, and if you would like treatment, refer you to a sleep specialist for an official diagnosis like a sleep study. While dentists are trained to identify and suggest treatment for sleep apnea, you must receive a confirmed diagnosis from a sleep specialist before any treatment can commence.
If you are looking for an effective, non-invasive way to reduce your snoring and a path towards uninterrupted sleep without a nightly appliance or other daily treatment, consider NightLase.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation for NightLace snoring treatment in the Fairview Allen area, contact us today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to improving your quality of life and help provide you with a better night’s rest!
I have been to a few different dental offices, and this one is by FAR the BEST! The entire staff was so great and friendly. I really enjoyed my visit and will be transferring my whole family to this office.
Always surprised with the attention to the patient’s comfort and the level of technology. Dr. Feng is the most pleasant dentist I’ve ever met.
Just about anything you need under one roof. Your Fairview dentist near Allen and McKinney has your family covered.
