Laser snoring treatment is a popular non-invasive procedure that helps many patients improve their sleep. But how effective is laser snoring treatment for sleep apnea? In this article, we answer this question and discuss the procedure in detail.
How Effective Is Laser Snoring Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops for several seconds, then starts again, multiple times a night. It prevents normal oxygen intake, typically causing loud snoring and gasping for air, leading to fragmented sleep and fatigue during the day. Interrupted breathing occurs when the throat muscles relax too much, blocking the airway.
Laser snoring treatment is highly effective at reducing snoring by tightening soft palate tissues and reducing airway blockage, with success rates of 70% to 95% in treating non-apneic snoring. When it comes to sleep apnea, however, it works best in mild-to-moderate cases. It is often used in addition to other methods, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), and Myofunctional Therapy.
How Does Laser Snoring Treatment Work?
Laser snoring treatment aims to tighten the muscles at the back of the throat to prevent airway blockage. During the procedure, your doctor will use light energy (laser) to heat the tissue. The procedure is non-invasive, typically does not require anesthesia, and takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Some patients notice improvement as soon as the night of their first treatment. However, significant improvement is typically expected in several weeks as the body produces collagen in the muscles.
Is One Session of Laser Snoring Treatment Enough?
Usually, it is recommended to undergo at least 3 sessions of laser treatment spaced several weeks apart to achieve desired results. The full benefits of the procedure are typically achieved about 2 months after completing the third session.
The benefits of laser snoring treatment are not permanent and typically last for 12 to 24 months. It is typically recommended to have a maintenance session once a year. Such lifestyle habits as smoking, frequent alcohol intake, and significant weight gain can cause the laser snoring treatment results to fade faster. Also, patients with severe snoring or obstructive sleep apnea might be recommended to undergo maintenance procedures more often than once a year.
Alternatives to Laser Snoring Treatment for Sleep Apnea
As we mentioned before, several other types of treatments can be used alongside or instead of laser snoring treatment in cases of moderate to severe sleep apnea:
- Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) involves wearing custom-made devices (such as Mandibular Advancement Devices) at night to adjust the position of the lower jaw and the tongue, preventing airway blockage.
- A hypoglossal nerve stimulation device is implanted to detect breathing patterns and stimulate the nerve that controls the tongue. As a result, the tongue is prompted to move forward to keep the airways open.
- Positional therapy involves using specialized pillows or vests to prevent back sleeping.
- Myofunctional therapy involves doing special orofacial exercises to strengthen the muscles of the tongue, soft palate, and throat to prevent them from collapsing during sleep.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine includes a mask that you wear at night to maintain a steady stream of air and keep the airways open.
Treat Snoring at TruGlo Modern Dental Beverly Hills
If you experience snoring and are considering laser treatment, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at TruGlo Modern Dental Beverly Hills today. At our office, we use modern diagnostic and treatment methods to improve our patients’ health and quality of life. We are looking forward to your visit.
