At Patel Sleep Solutions, we know how annoying and disruptive problems like snoring and sleep apnea can be. The loud, rumbling sound symbolizes a night of restless sleep for both the snorer and anyone else within earshot. If you are the one snoring, you may have sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts throughout the night.
These interruptions in breathing can happen hundreds of times a night without you even realizing it, robbing you of deep, restorative sleep. The result? You wake up feeling as if you haven’t slept at all. Since no amount of caffeine is enough for this degree of grogginess, you are forced to battle extreme fatigue and mental fog that makes it hard to concentrate at work, at school, or on any task that requires your full attention.
This is why our board-certified dental sleep practitioners are committed to finding lasting solutions for our patients. To achieve this, our office in Franklin Park is equipped with the most advanced technology available for diagnosing and treating these conditions.
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) Scanner
A regular dental or facial x-ray might be enough for catching a cavity or gum disease. Still, it’s nowhere as effective when you are presenting with symptoms of a sleep-related breathing disorder (like sleep apnea). A CBCT scan gives us a highly detailed 3D image of your teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose, and throat.
If one of your main symptoms is snoring, there may be a problem with your mouth and airway structure. Issues like a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or jaw position can lead to snoring. The CBCT scan gives us a comprehensive view of your anatomy to identify if something in these structures contributes to your disordered breathing. This way, we can pinpoint the exact cause and tailor the treatment specifically for you rather than giving a one-size-fits-all solution.
Intra-Oral Scanner
We also use a state-of-the-art intra-oral camera to get a close-up view of the inside of your mouth. This small, pen-sized device can be comfortably inserted into your mouth to capture detailed images of your teeth, gums, and other parts.
The beauty of using an intraoral camera is that it allows both you and your dentist to see what is going on in your mouth in real time. It can show things that might not be visible to the naked eye, like early signs of gum disease or tiny cracks in your teeth. Most importantly, it can reveal if there is any obstruction, like large tonsils or issues with the tongue, that could be causing you to snore or contribute to apnea episodes.
This scanner enables us to examine the condition of your tonsils, palate, and throat area. If we think you will benefit from using an oral appliance, these images will also help us design it according to the unique contours of your dental structure.
Laser Technology
While CPAP machines and oral appliances are effective for most patients, there are always exceptions. If, for some reason, you cannot use either, laser therapy might be the answer. Our in-office laser is used to heat the throat and mouth tissues gently. This process encourages the formation of collagen, a protein that helps tissues stay firm. As the collagen in the throat area increases, the tissues tighten and become less floppy.
By tightening the tissue in the airway, the vibrations that cause snoring sounds are reduced. This means the airway is more open during sleep, reducing snoring intensity and frequency. One of the best parts is that laser sessions are non-invasive, with no cuts or incisions. It’s done right in our office, usually in 2-4 sessions, each around 30 minutes. Most patients find the procedure relatively comfortable, with minimal to no downtime.
Get Lasting Relief from Sleep Apnea with Our Cutting-Edge Technologies
Medical technology has come a long way since the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine was invented in 1980. Today, you have a lot more convenient options for treating sleep apnea, including reducing snoring and other chronic symptoms.
Our dental sleep practitioners at Patel Sleep Solutions work with you and your primary health providers to create a targeted treatment plan that resolves the underlying cause of your discomfort. You can rest easy knowing we use every tool and technique at our disposal to help you not only sleep better but also feel your best. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, get in touch with us today.
