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Non-invasive laser treatment for snoring
Snoring occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat vibrates and closes off the airway. Although snoring can be joked about and is disruptive to a family, it is no laughing matter. Snoring can lead to or accompany a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition when a person stops breathing several times a night putting themselves at risk for many unfortunate health consequences including heart attack and stroke. The good news is that Dr. Sheahan has a safe, effective procedure that will reduce snoring and improve the quality of sleep, after just one treatment.
What Can I Expect?After a thorough exam and a low exposure CT scan, Dr. Sheahan will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. She may want you to do a home sleep test which consists of wearing a special ring on your finger as you sleep.If Dr. Sheahan feels you are a good candidate, we will schedule you for the laser treatment. The treatment is painless, however, patients do report feeling a warm sensation in their throat during the procedure. There are minimal side effects which may include a sore throat but patients can go back totheir daily activities right away.
How Does It Work?The laser essentially tightens the collagen in the back of the throat thereby reducing soft tissue collapsibility and snoring. This treatment can be repeated if needed but results usually last a year.
