Snoring can significantly impair the quality of your sleep, leading to general health issues and discomfort for those sleeping next to you. In this article, we discuss how laser snoring treatment works and the benefits and disadvantages of the procedure.
How Does Laser Snoring Treatment Work?
Snoring occurs when loose throat tissues vibrate as air passes during sleep. Laser snoring treatment is a non-surgical procedure that tightens the soft tissues at the back of the mouth (primarily the soft palate and uvula).
During the procedure, laser energy heats the tissue, causing it to contract. Additionally, lasers stimulate collagen production over the following weeks, which makes the tissue firmer. As a result, the tissue vibrates less, reducing snoring.
Laser snowing treatment can help in the following cases:
- Mild to moderate snoring
- Snoring caused by soft palate laxity
Laser snoring treatments are typically most effective when combined with weight management (when needed), nasal breathing improvement, and side sleeping.
Full results from laser snoring treatment usually occur after 4–8 weeks after the final session. The majority of patients are recommended to undergo 2 to 3 treatment sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Advantages of Laser Snoring Treatment
Laser snoring treatment can offer the following advantages compared to surgical treatments:
- It is a minimally invasive and quick procedure.
- The procedure causes little discomfort.
- The procedure does not require downtime.
- Lasers provide gradual, natural tissue tightening.
Disadvantages of Laser Snoring Treatment
The possible disadvantages of laser snoring treatments include:
- The procedure is not effective for snoring caused by large tonsils, severe nasal obstruction, or obesity-related airway collapse.
- Laser snoring treatment does not treat obstructive sleep apnea.
- The results of the procedure are not permanent and typically last for 6 to 24 months.
- Maintenance sessions may be required.
- Effectiveness varies depending on the patient’s anatomy (for example, tissue thickness and elasticity)
What Happens During a Laser Snoring Treatment Procedure
Typically, laser snoring treatment does not require any special preparation, such as fasting. Also, anesthetic injections are not needed for this procedure, but some doctors may use a topical anesthetic spray.
During the procedure, a low-energy dental laser is aimed at the soft palate, uvula, and, sometimes, the tonsillar pillars or the tongue base, depending on the patient’s anatomy. The laser delivers controlled heat at 40–45 degrees celsius that does not cut or burn the tissue. Each area is treated for several seconds at a time, with the whole procedure typically taking 5 to 10 minutes.
During your laser snoring treatment, you may experience warmth or a slight tingling and tightening sensation. No bleeding occurs during the procedure.
What Happens After a Laser Snoring Treatment Procedure
Immediately after the procedure, patients can talk normally and return to their daily activities. You can also eat and drink after the procedure, but cool and soft foods should be preferred over other options.
For the first 1 to 3 days after the procedure, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Dry throat
- Slight soreness or scratchy feeling
- Tightness
Aftercare recommendations typically include the following:
- Make sure you drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for a couple of days
- Avoid hot, spicy foods for 24 hours
Get a Laser Snoring Treatment at TruGlo Calabasas
If you experience snoring, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at TruGlo Calabasas today. Our specialists will carefully examine your case and medical history to determine the cause of the issue and recommend an appropriate, effective treatment.
