STATE OF THE ART LASER DENTISTRY

Snoring occurs when the muscles and soft tissues of the airway relax during sleep, causing vibrations that produce sound. It can originate from the nose, mouth, or both, and may occur during any stage of sleep.

In more serious cases, these tissues can partially or completely obstruct airflow, leading to a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of interrupted breathing throughout the night, which reduces oxygen delivery to the brain. Over time, this can significantly increase the risk of systemic health issues, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, acid reflux, and more.

The traditional treatment for OSA is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. While it is the most effective treatment option, many patients find CPAP therapy uncomfortable, noisy, or difficult to maintain consistently.

NightLase® is a non-invasive laser treatment designed to enhance airway function by tightening the soft tissues at the back of the throat. This procedure improves airflow, leading to better breathing both during sleep and while awake. As a result, patients often experience a significant reduction in snoring and improvement in sleep quality. 

During the procedure, laser energy is gently applied to the soft palate and surrounding tissues, causing a controlled heating effect that stimulates collagen contraction and tissue tightening. The treatment is safe, comfortable, and requires no anesthesia or downtime. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following treatment. Unlike surgical options, NightLase® does not cause scarring and is well tolerated. While results are long-lasting, annual maintenance sessions are recommended to sustain optimal outcomes.

NightLase® not only reduces the intensity of snoring but can also help alleviate the symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea, offering patients a non-surgical option to improve their sleep and overall well-being. It is important to note that NightLase® is not a cure for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While it can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with OSA—such as snoring and airway obstruction—its primary goal is to improve airflow and reduce the severity of apnea episodes. A thorough evaluation and ongoing monitoring are essential, and in some cases, additional or alternative treatments may still be necessary.

A complete NightLase® treatment protocol consists of three separate sessions, scheduled at least 21 days apart. Approximately 60 days after your final session, we will repeat the home sleep study to assess changes in your sleep apnea score.

If you’re unsure whether you snore or experience disrupted sleep, we recommend using a sleep tracking app such as SnoreLab (iPhone) or SnoreClock (Android) to record and monitor your sleep patterns. For the most accurate results, record for at least two nights, avoiding sleep-altering medications or substances. If you're uncertain about your results or next steps, feel free to email us your recordings for evaluation. Based on your findings, we may recommend a home sleep study, which we provide to our patients as a convenient and effective screening tool. If you’ve had a sleep study within the past five years, please provide us with your Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) results from that test.

Tonsil Laser Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option for individuals experiencing chronic tonsil infections or tonsil stones who wish to avoid surgical removal.

This procedure utilizes a focused laser directed at the tonsil tissue—similar in approach to shining a light. The laser gently heats the tissue, promoting tightening and shrinkage of the tonsils. As a result, patients often experience a noticeable reduction in airway obstruction and relief from chronic inflammation or infection. The laser also helps sterilize the tissue, supporting improved oral and respiratory health.

Because the procedure is non-invasive, there is no required downtime. Patients can resume normal activities immediately following treatment, without restrictions.

ComfortLase® Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) offers a clinically validated, non-invasive approach to pain management and wound healing for a broad range of conditions.

PBMT employs low-level red to near-infrared light energy to stimulate a series of biological responses within damaged or diseased tissues. This advanced therapy accelerates tissue regeneration, enhances circulation, reduces both acute and chronic inflammation, alleviates pain, and supports the restoration of normal cellular function.

For cases involving swelling and inflammation, PBMT improves lymphatic drainage by opening the lymphatic vessels and small arteries. It also promotes the healing of trauma- and infection-related concerns by reactivating underperforming or dormant cells to support the body’s natural recovery processes.

Other Treatable Conditions:

• TMJ Disorder
• Oral Mucositis (side effect of radiation and chemotherapy)
• Burning Mouth Syndrome
• Herpes and Canker Sores
• Tinnitus
• Dental Pain
• Wound Healing (skin or mucosa)
• Dry Socket
• Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid

Snoring occurs when relaxed, thin, and loose tissues and muscles in the airway vibrate during sleep. This sound can originate from the nose, mouth, or both, and may happen during any stage of sleep. If you or a family member are aware of chronic snoring, you may benefit from Nasal Laser therapy.

Prior to treatment, it is essential to determine whether your snoring is associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). We offer an easy-to-use home sleep study to evaluate this. If the sleep study confirms that your snoring is not related to OSA and is limited to nasal airflow restriction, Nasal Laser treatment may be recommended as a standalone procedure. However, if nasal snoring is associated with OSA, a combination of Nasal Laser and NightLase® therapies may be advised for optimal results.

To help assess your snoring patterns and severity, we recommend downloading either the SnoreLab (iPhone) or SnoreClock (Android) app. Place your smartphone on your nightstand and activate the app before sleep. In the morning, the app will provide detailed statistics regarding your snoring throughout the night. For the most accurate assessment, we suggest recording data over at least two nights, avoiding any sleep-altering substances or medications during this time.

About the Procedure:
Nasal Laser treatment uses a gentle heat laser applied to the internal nasal tissues to enlarge the nasal passageways, improve airflow, and enhance nasal structure and function. After the procedure, custom-fitted nasal stents (or “nose cones”) are placed to maintain the expanded airways. These stents should be worn continuously for the first 48 hours, and then during sleep for an additional five nights.

The recommended treatment protocol consists of two sessions spaced approximately 21 days apart. In some cases, a third session may be required to achieve optimal results.