Have you ever been accused of keeping your bed partner awake with loud snoring? Sleep is an important aspect of good health, and your snoring is impacting not only your sleep and health, but also your partner's. The good news is that there are excellent solutions to help alleviate chronic snoring, and your team at Hall Dental Group can help!
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Did you know that chronic loud snoring can be a sign of a serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea? The most common type of sleep apnea is caused by an obstructed airway, which can contribute to loud snoring.
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked, cutting off oxygen during sleep. The lack of oxygen signals your brain to wake you up, and this can happen multiple times throughout the night without you realizing it. Patients with severe sleep apnea may wake up hundreds of times throughout the night.
Sleep apnea contributes to several other health concerns that you should be aware of:
- Mood swings and depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Frequent headaches and migraines
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
Sleep apnea is diagnosed using a sleep study that monitors your sleep throughout the night and tracks how many times you wake up. Continuous air pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard of care for patients with sleep apnea; however, some patients find the CPAP uncomfortable to wear during sleep since it's a mask that covers their face.
At Hall Dental Group, we offer alternative solutions for snoring and sleep apnea treatment in Cookeville, TN, including non-surgical laser treatment and custom oral appliances.
The Telltale Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose on your own, since it occurs while you sleep. But here are some of the signs and symptoms you may experience if you suffer from sleep apnea:
- Daily fatigue
- Loud snoring
- Brain fog
- Mood swings or irritability
- Difficulties focusing on daily tasks
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Waking up gasping or coughing
Why Do I Snore?
Did you know that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea? It's true! Chronic, loud snoring can occur for lots of reasons, such as:
- Certain medications
- Allergies
- Congestion or sinus issues
- Obesity
- Sleep position
- Relaxed tissues in the throat
Even if you're not suffering from sleep apnea, chronic snoring can impact your rest, health, and well-being. Laser treatment can also be helpful for patients who want to manage their snoring but don't have sleep apnea.
Non-Surgical Laser Treatment at Hall Dental Group
Dr. Hall uses the Soloea CO2 Laser to deliver non-surgical treatment that minimizes snoring and can help with sleep apnea. The Soloea Laser is leading-edge technology that focuses sub-dermal energy on the soft palate and strengthens collagen tissue, which, in turn, minimizes the vibrations associated with snoring. By tightening the soft tissues in the throat, the laser improves airflow and helps with clear breathing during sleep, which can also help with sleep apnea.
Most patients see improvement with their snoring after two or three laser treatments. Dr. Hall will determine the best treatment schedule for your individual needs.
Is the Soloea CO2 Laser Safe?
Many people wonder about the safety of laser dentistry, and the answer is: Yes! The dental laser is completely safe. It actually minimizes downtime and accelerates the healing process by sterilizing the treated areas. Here are some additional benefits of using the Soloea CO2 Laser for snoring or sleep apnea treatment.
- Simple Recovery — Patients have an easier and quicker recovery from laser treatment as opposed to a surgical procedure involving cutting and stitches.
- Essentially Pain-Free — Patients experience less discomfort after treatment with the dental laser.
- Minimally Invasive — The Soloea laser is less invasive than having a patient endure a surgical procedure.
- Effective Results — Our patients enjoy the results of minimized snoring and reclaimed rest after treatment with the dental laser.
Would You Like to Learn More about Non-Surgical Laser Treatment?
If you suspect that you or a loved one might be suffering from sleep apnea, or if you're tired of sleepless nights due to snoring, we would love to talk with you! Contact your dentist in Cookeville at (931) 528-7977 for more information about how we can help you with comfortable and effective snoring and sleep apnea treatment.