What you should know about snoring and sleep apnea
Wondering how sleep dentistry could improve sleep for everyone in your household? Does your partner keep you up all night with their snoring? Do you find yourself waking up gasping for air? The fact is, experts estimate that 39 million people in the US have sleep apnea, and snoring is a symptom in 94% of sleep apnea cases.
While snoring might seem like a nuisance, it can put serious strain on your health, not to mention your relationships.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause:
- High blood pressure
- Increased risks for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes
- Mental health problems including anxiety and depression
- Difficulty focusing and impaired memory
- Weakened immune system
- Relationship difficulties due to mood disorders and lower sex drive
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries
The bottom line is that sleep apnea and snoring present serious health risks. So why talk to your dentist about sleep apnea treatments?
How does laser treatment for sleep apnea work?
Most people snore because the tissues of the throat, and especially soft palate, restrict airflow. As more pressure is needed to force air through this restriction, the tissues vibrate and create snoring.
Laser treatments for sleep apnea use highly advanced technology to tighten the soft tissue in your throat. This stops the vibrations that cause snoring and restores free breathing.
At Forestville Family Dentistry, we use the Solea Sleep system. This device uses a flexible laser fiber to deliver pulses of light energy that tighten and stiffen the uvula, soft palate, tonsils and pharynx (upper throat).
Solea Sleep laser snoring treatment, step by step
From start to finish, getting Solea Sleep treatment for snoring only takes five to twenty minutes, right in the comfort of our Forestville CA dental office. There’s no hospital stay required, and no need
Here’s what to expect:
First, we’ll numb your throat with a local anesthetic spray to maximize comfort. This wears off within a few hours. Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Grados will apply pulses of laser energy to the target areas. You may feel some warmth but most patients report little to no pain thanks to the numbing spray.
Immediately after treatment you can drive yourself home, eat and go about normal activities. Your throat may feel scratchy or swollen for a few days as the tissue tightens. Over the next few weeks, remodeling collagen will increase your airway size.
Dr. Grados may recommend follow up visits to assess your progress and perform laser touch ups if needed. But many patients see drastic improvement after just one session.
And that’s it! No painful recovery period. No taking weeks off work. For most people, you’ll feel the difference after the very first treatment.
What are the benefits of laser sleep apnea treatment?
Solea Sleep reduces snoring and decreases sleep apnea episodes. But what does that mean for your quality of life?
- Less need for CPAP.
For those using uncomfortable CPAP machines, Solea can reduce your required settings, making it much more comfortable and decreasing uncomfortable side effects like nosebleeds that can happen with CPAP use. If you’re already using your CPAP on a low setting, Solea Sleep could eliminate the need for the machine altogether. - Clearer speech.
Tightening the throat tissue also helps your palate close better when speaking. Your voice may sound clearer or less nasal.
- Decreased sinus congestion.
Opening your nasal airways makes breathing through your nose easier. This reduces chronic sinus congestion.
- Fewer sore throats.
An improved airway means you’re less likely to breathe through your mouth while you sleep. Which can prevent an irritated, scratchy, dry throat when you wake up.
- Wake up feeling refreshed.
When’s the last time you remember waking up feeling truly rested? Laser sleep apnea treatment with Solea can help you get better-quality sleep and help you feel alert, focused, and sharp throughout the day.
- Better confidence.
Many patients feel more confident overall when they look and feel refreshed from better sleep. No more problems concentrating at work or dozing off mid-conversation.
- Improved relationships at home.
Let’s face it, when one person snores, it can disrupt sleep for the entire household. Reducing or eliminating noisy night-time issues like snoring or gasping for breath means everyone in the house can get better sleep, which pays dividends in your relationships!
For thousands of people, Solea has been life changing. They finally wake up feeling energized and get quality sleep next to their happy partner.
Ready to start sleeping better? We’re proud to bring you safe and effective sleep dentistry in Forestville!
Schedule your consultation for laser sleep apnea treatment in Forestville today! Dr. Grados is happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have so you can feel confident getting safe, effective, and non-invasive sleep apnea treatments.
Areas Served:
We proudly offer sleep apnea treatments in Forestville, convenient to Guerneville and Monte Rio!
