We have all been there with one loved one or another—our friends, parents, grandparents, partners, even our children. “I can’t sleep with your snoring!”
Some are “truck driver” snorers, some are “chainsaw” snorers. And yes, I snore! But my husband says it’s more of a purrrrr (bless his heart). All joking aside, though, sometimes snoring can be scary and dangerous. It is a sign of a problem. Our brain is sending signals that we need more oxygen. So instead of restorative (parasympathetic) sleep, we are in fight-or-flight mode (sympathetic) all night long. No wonder so many of us are so tired all the time.
Oxygen is LIFE!
If we are not receiving oxygen, our whole body is compromised. Studies show that chronic snoring leads to high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, and an increased incidence of cavities. We know that mouth breathing affects our oral health negatively, but thanks to the FOTONA Lightwalker, we can help reduce and potentially eliminate the incidence of most snoring.
Snoring affects 67% of the population, and 80% of snorers have some type of sleep disorder breathing (SDB). Obvious contributing factors include being overweight, sinus problems, sleep posture, alcohol consumption, and even menopause. Snoring occurs when air is not able to move freely through the nose and mouth during sleep. This is due to the narrowing of the airway because of the tissue laxity, and the eventual constriction of the airway causes the tissues to vibrate and make an audible sound. The medical community has traditionally focused on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity hypoventilation; several treatments have helped to a degree but can be costly, noisy, extremely uncomfortable, and can permanently change a person’s bite and cause a lifetime of TMJ problems. This new laser treatment may help these patients. Dentists are uniquely suited to treat problems with airway management.
Enter Nightlase
The Nightlase snoring treatment is a fast, painless, non-invasive, no downtime procedure that can increase the quality of sleep and ultimately the quality of life. Laser energy is used to gently heat the tissues of the airway, creating a tightening effect that helps to keep the airway open while also forming new collagen within the mucosa of the oropharynx, soft palate, and uvula. Nightlase requires no anesthesia, is quick and comfortable, and a patient can resume daily routines immediately afterward. This laser treatment helps patients sleep better and breathe better through the nose. Which in turn shows improvement in important markers, e.g., VO2 max, nitric oxide levels, and heart rate variability.
Fotona’s Nightlase anti-snoring laser treatment has been gaining worldwide recognition for its safety and efficacy.
A newly published article by Dr. Valerie Picavet, et al. in the prestigious European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology presents the data from a recent study that assessed the safety and efficacy of the minimally invasive NightLase therapy, comparing the results with a placebo treatment. The authors of the study concluded:
“NightLase treatment significantly reduces snoring compared to many sham treatments. Its efficacy is similar to that achieved with other more aggressive treatments. Taking into account the minimal invasiveness of NightLase, this procedure seems to represent a valuable, low-risk treatment option for primary snoring/OSAS.”
It should also be noted that the treatment was well tolerated by patients, with no local anesthesia required.
What to Expect
During the Nightlase treatment, laser light gently heats the tissues, causing tightening. It is gentle enough to be used in the sensitive tissues inside the mouth but strong enough to provide clinically efficacious heating. Research has shown that Nightlase reduces and attenuates snoring and provides an effective, non-invasive way to lessen the effects of sleep apnea.
Some patients will notice mild warmth and a tingling sensation. A minimum of three treatments is standard protocol, each 21 days apart. Some patients will notice a change with only the first treatment; others won’t notice any change until the second or third treatment, depending on the amount of tissue and its laxity. Everyone is different. Most patients return 1–2 times a year because they want to maintain their results.
Nightlase uses two different wavelengths, Nd:YAG and Er:YAG, to treat the obstructed tissues. This state-of-the-art technology is combined into one system: The Fotona Lightwalker Laser. We are thrilled to announce that our new Lightwalker (AKA Wally) can improve quality sleep and in some cases eliminate snoring.
And there’s more good news! The Fotona Lightwalker can also reduce and improve wrinkles, soften skin tone, plump lips, and naturally tighten and tone skin for an anti-aging facial rejuvenation that will enhance a healthy smile without fillers or toxins.
The Pure Dental Difference
A biological dentist seeks the safest, least toxic, and most conservative way to accomplish modern dentistry that is safe, functional, durable, and esthetic. It is interesting to note that the term “alternative medicine” refers to a new holistic, integrative, and functional approach to health, yet it has been in existence for thousands of years, and “modern medicine” is only about 100 years old.
Most people choose alternative medicine because of a medical condition that has not been resolved. Others are well versed in holistic ways and understand and live by it. We have known for quite a long time that there is a mouth–body connection, and as a biological dentist, my mantra continues to be A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy Body and a Healthy Life!
Dr. Josephine Perez, DMD, has been practicing dentistry for 29 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston and interned at New Orleans Coast Guard/Navy Base. Her holistic approach to dentistry encompasses each person’s unique and entire (or whole—holistic) state of physical and emotional well-being. The ability to maintain health through preventive measures and treatments of oral disease is her priority. Dr. Perez focuses on the underlying condition, rather than only treating the symptoms. She tests for biocompatibility to find pathways to reduce inflammation and apply biocompatible and biomimetic materials, supplements, essential oils to restore and strengthen the oral cavity and ultimately, the whole body. After decades of restoring and transforming smiles, Dr. Perez has integrated total wellness into her oral health enhancement practice—a revolutionary style of dentistry.
Visit Pure Dental in Naples at 4444 Tamiami Trail N, Ste. 6–7, call 239.692.9623 or go to www.puredentalnaples.com.