Sleep is one of the pillars of good health. Unfortunately, millions of people suffer from sleep disorders, one of the most common of which is sleep apnea, a condition that is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. While CPAP therapy and oral appliances are often used to address sleep apnea, some people might be able to find relief through a frenectomy in Summerlin with the Solea laser. Let’s talk about what a frenectomy is and how it may reduce or eliminate sleep apnea.
What Is a Frenectomy?
There is a small piece of tissue, called a frenum or frenulum, that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When the frenum is too short or thick, it restricts the tongue’s movements. This condition, known as tongue tie, is treated via a frenectomy. During the procedure, a doctor simply cuts the frenum to free up the tongue.
In the past, old-fashioned tools, such as scalpels, were used to perform frenectomies. Today, though, more and more practices have upgraded to laser-based procedures. The Solea laser can virtually eliminate bleeding and discomfort, making the frenectomy process as quick and easy as possible.
Can a Frenectomy Promote Better Sleep?
Someone who struggles with tongue tie may suffer from a broad range of symptoms, including speech difficulties, aversions to certain foods, and more. Commonly, these individuals also have underdeveloped oral muscles, and their tongue rests in the incorrect place. Such factors can lead to airway blockages during sleep. In other words, tongue tie can directly increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea related to tongue tie can occur in both children and adults. The sooner it is diagnosed and addressed, the sooner an individual can begin to enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep. Plus, because a frenectomy addresses the anatomical issue behind sleep apnea, it might be able to provide long-term relief from sleep apnea without the need for an oral appliance or CPAP.
Myofunctional Therapy May Also Be Necessary
Following a frenectomy, you might not immediately notice a difference in the quality of your sleep. That’s because your tongue and other oral structures may still not be functioning as they should. To correct your tongue positioning and strengthen your oral and facial muscles, your dentist or doctor might recommend that you undergo myofunctional therapy.
Myofunctional therapy is essentially physical therapy for the mouth. By consistently performing a series of prescribed exercises, you can strengthen your oral muscles and break bad habits that were the result of a tied tongue.
Do you suspect that tongue tie is contributing to your sleep problems? A laser frenectomy in Las Vegas might be the key to achieving the restful sleep you need!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Pamela West has been serving patients for more than 20 years. She places a heavy focus on helping both children and adults find relief from sleep apnea through a range of therapies, including oral appliances, frenectomies, and more. If you suspect that you are suffering from a sleep disorder, she and our team would be happy to help you get a proper diagnosis and explore your treatment options. Contact us at 702-844-6226.