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Nightlase™ C3 Laser Therapy

Sleeping disorderSleep Disorder Breathing/ Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition.

While smoking can take an average of 7-10 years off your lifespan, untreated Sleep Disorder Breathing can take 12+ years. And of the 67% of people who snore at night, 80% have some sort of sleep apnea. This can lead to hypertension, headaches, migraines, increased acid reflux symptoms, ADHD, weight gain, daytime fatigue, depression, and more. What’s worse is that this lack of oxygen can also contribute to cardiovascular issues like heart attack and stroke. Men can experience impotence or erectile dysfunction and women can suffer from TMJ (jaw joint) dysfunction, low sex drive, and increased stress hormone cortisol – the one we know is responsible for stress and weight gain.

What is Nightlase ™ C3?

Nightlase™ C3 is a therapeutic non-ablative laser treatment for Sleep Disorder Breathing. Nightlase™ C3 uses minimally invasive twin light laser therapy to induce collagen rejuvenation and new collagen formation in the oral pharyngeal tissues, tightening and elevating the soft palate, uvula, and surrounding tissues.   This therapeutic procedure increases the oral airway, decreases snoring, and improves Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In fact, many people notice a remarkable difference after just one treatment! Depending on your unique situation, treatment may consist of 3 or more 45-minute treatments over a 9 week period of time. People with severe snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may require more sessions.  After you have felt the optimal results, you will need just an annual maintenance appointment, although severe cases may need to be treated twice a year after the initial sessions.

Benefits of Nightlase™ C3 Treatment

  • Minimally invasive requiring no anesthesia and no intra-op or post-op pain.
  • Immediate results of the increased airway, decreased snoring, improved sleep after the first visit (average of 50% reduction in sleep apnea symptoms)
  • Better sleep for both the sufferer and their bed partner – restful sleep is responsible for memory, muscle growth & recovery, fat burning, and hormone regulation.
  • Increased nasal breathing – the air you breathe is filtered and moistened before reaching your lungs.
  • Better energy & endurance – the production of Nitric Oxide while nose breathing lets your body absorb more oxygen.
  • Reduction of exaggerated gag reflex – an enlarged uvula (the fleshy tissue hanging at the back of your throat) can cause breathing issues and an exaggerated gag reflex. Treating this area diminished issues.

Am I a candidate for Nightlase ™ C3?

If you snore or have mild to moderate sleep apnea, you are likely a candidate for Nightlase™ C3.

Is snoring more than just an annoying sound?

Snoring generally masks a more serious health condition such as sleep apnea. Snoring occurs because there’s a partial blockage of the airway which creates the snoring sound, whereas sleep apnea is characterized by a complete blockage of the airway which lasts for at least 10 seconds. When a person experiences a sleep apnea event, they are actually not breathing for those 10 seconds or more.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea is Important

A dentist is often sufficiently trained to identify when there are anatomical risk factors that might contribute to sleep apnea issues or to snoring. Before embarking on Nightlase ™ C3 treatment,  a thorough oral examination will be completed and images of the oral cavity will be taken to see if you are a good candidate for the treatment. This oral examination will generally identify factors such as a large tongue or an enlarged palate, or any other factors which might contribute to sleep apnea or snoring.  An assessment of the severity of symptoms will also be induced using the Snorelab app to record at least 3 days of sleep patterns. A sleep study is also indicated for severe patients to provide an official diagnosis of the specific Sleep Breathing Disorder and document pre-treatment and post-treatment results. 

Nightlase™ C3 is not a quick fix

NightlaseThe full process for Nightlase ™ C3 treatment generally takes a few months, so you may not experience immediate results after one or two treatments.  Nightlase™ C3 therapy is effective because it makes use of laser energy, and after soft tissue is exposed to laser energy, it regenerates and tightens up.  The Nightlase™ C3 treatment at Meadows Family Dentistry is a package of 3 treatments, which provides our patients the opportunity for maximum results.  Some patients may require additional or touch-up treatments after these initial 3 treatments.

Does my insurance provide reimbursement for Nightlase ™ C3 therapy?

Nightlase™ C3 therapy is a new procedure that is unfortunately not covered by dental or medical insurance.

What if I already have a CPAP or Night Appliance for Sleep Apnea.  Is Nightlase ™ C3 Treatment beneficial?

Nightlase ™ C3 treatment can benefit patients that already are being successfully treated with a CPAP or sleep appliances.  As a co-therapeutic treatment for Sleep Breathing Disorders, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Snoring,  Nightlase ™ C3 enhances the benefits of using other sleep apnea therapies during sleep and during the day.  We will reach out and notify your sleep physician of our proposed treatment and work together to achieve ideal results.  Patients that use a CPAP or sleep appliance would want to do a follow-up consult with their sleep physician after Nightlase ™ C3 treatment to evaluate the need for adjustments or continued use of their sleep apnea appliance. 

Is the Nightlase ™ C3 Treatment Painful?

Some patients have reported having a dry throat and mouth after their treatments.  Soreness and/or restrictions have not been reported, and patients can eat and drink immediately following the appointments.  Staying hydrated can be helpful before and after the treatment to reduce dryness.  

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