If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or think you may have it, you have probably heard of CPAP machines. They work, but they are not the only option. At Hall Dental Group, your dentist in Cookeville, TN, Dr. Jackson Hall combines two treatments to address sleep apnea: A custom-made oral appliance and non-surgical laser treatment.
A Two-Part Approach to Treating Sleep Apnea
Most sleep apnea treatments focus on simply keeping the airway open. But a blocked airway and soft palate vibration are two separate problems that often happen together. Treating just one may leave the other unaddressed. Dr. Hall pairs two treatments that each target a different part of the problem.
A Custom-Made Mandibular Advancement Device
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-fitted oral appliance you wear while you sleep. It gently moves your lower jaw forward, which helps keep your airway open through the night. A MAD is small, quiet, and easy to travel with. Dr. Hall takes precise measurements to make sure your device fits well and does its job.
Non-Surgical Laser Therapy with the Solea CO2 Laser
The Solea CO2 laser is a technology that targets the soft palate, the area at the back of the roof of your mouth. When you sleep, this tissue can relax and vibrate, which causes snoring.
The laser gently tightens the tissue to reduce those vibrations. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. There is no cutting and no stitching needed, and most patients return to their usual routine right away.
Better Results Together
Each treatment is helpful on its own, but they work best together. The MAD keeps your airway open; the laser treatment addresses soft palate tissue that contributes to snoring and blocked airflow. Together, they are a more complete approach to sleep apnea treatment that Cookeville, TN, patients can access at Hall Dental Group. Call our office at (931) 528-7977 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hall.