What is dental laser treatment?
At Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center, dental laser treatment uses a medical-grade laser to safely treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or temporomandibular disorder (TMD), relieving symptoms like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, dry mouth, or snoring. It can also help with issues such as bruxism (teeth grinding) in patients with sleep apnea.
The team can also use laser dentistry to perform some oral surgical procedures. Treatment is an effective way to preserve your oral health and improve your quality of life.
What are the different types of dental laser treatment?
Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center use laser procedures, such as:
Photobiomodulation
TMD refers to the issues affecting the muscles in your jaw, the temporomandibular joint, and the surrounding areas. The joint connects the jawbone to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth. With jaw dysfunction, it can make it very difficult to move your jaw, bite, and chew.
Photobiomodulation is a term used to describe light energy for therapeutic effects. It can help when you have a condition like TMD that causes inflammation and chronic pain.
TMD symptoms that photomodulation treats include:
- Swelling of the face
- Pressure on the jaws that result in pain
- Tender jaws
Laser treatment can also help relieve migraines and ear pain, which are common symptoms in TMD patients.
Nightlase
NightLase is an alternative form to traditional sleep apnea treatments, like oral devices or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The procedure involves a painless, non-invasive laser that gently heats your oral tissues to tighten them and open up your airway.
What are the benefits of dental laser treatment?
Laser dentistry presents a variety of advantages compared to traditional techniques. Many sleep apnea patients find oral appliances and CPAP therapy an uncomfortable experience.
A CPAP machine combines an air mask and oxygen pump to deliver fresh oxygen to your body while you’re sleeping. The mask may cover your nose, just your mouth, or involve a nasal cannula that fits into your nostrils.
Sleep apnea treatment is different with Nightlase, a quick in-office treatment that restores your ability to breathe properly using a special laser. It requires no additional take-home equipment, making it convenient for many patients.
Another benefit of dental laser treatment is reduced risk of further pain. For TMD patients, it can make a world of a difference when oral procedures can relieve discomfort without invasive approaches.
To see if you’re a candidate for dental laser treatment, request a consultation by calling Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center or making an appointment online today.
