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LA&HA - Journal of the Laser and Health Academy

LA&HA - Journal of the Laser and Health Academy, volume: 2015, number: 1Volume: 2015 | number: 1
ISSN (print):1855-9913 | ISSN (web): 1855-9921

CASE REPORT: NightLase® Procedure - Laser Snoring and Sleep Apnea Reduction Treatment

Jaana Sippus
Pages: OnlineFirst

Conventional treatments for snoring and sleep apnea have included everything from oral appliances to uvuloplastic operations, radiofrequency tissue ablation, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) masks and alternative medicine. Minimally invasive dentistry, with the use of a laser, now gives us the option for performing non-ablative Er:YAG tightening of the uvula, soft palate and surrounding tissues with a fractional laser handpiece. This treatment, called NightLase®, is provided by Fotona.

This case report describes the treatment of patients with sleep apnea using an Er:YAG laser, with a long-term follow-up from 28-36 months. These clinical cases are part of an uncontrolled study to evaluate the usefulness of the laser in snoring and sleep apnea treatment. Representative case examples following Mallampati classification are included and the benefits of NightLase® therapy over conventional methods will be explained.

Key words: snoring, sleep apnea, Er:YAG laser, NightLase, tightening of uvula, soft palate.

Article: J. LA&HA, Vol. 2015, OnlineFirst Received: April 7, 2015; Accepted: May 22, 2015

NightLase Procedure - Laser Snoring and Sleep Apnea Reduction Treatment

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