Michael B. Schuman, DDS - Oral Surgeon located in Los Altos - providing implants, laser surgery, snoring treatment, skin resurfacing and scar removal.

Laser Treatment for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Snoring is the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, one of the most commonly encountered sleep disorders. It is most often caused by vibration of excess flabby tissue in the back of the throat. A new treatment, Laser Assisted Uvulo Palatoplasty (LAUP), makes the removal of this excess tissue a more accessible and less expensive treatment for patients. The treatment, utilizing a breakthrough in laser technology, is straight forward from a technological standpoint, and is remarkable for its benefits. The LAUP treatment is performed in the office on an out-patient basis, using a sedative anesthetic. After the anesthetic is given, Dr. Schuman uses the  laser beam to remove the excess throat tissue which causes snoring. The laser is designed to remove tissue one layer at a time so that the surrounding tissues are not at risk for injury. The treatment takes approximately 50 minutes.   Following the laser treatment, patients can usually resume routine activities. Postoperatively, patients can expect a moderate sore throat which lasts a few days usually requiring some pain medication. The biggest advantage to laser treatment is that it works!  More than 85% of patients report that the snoring is cured, while an additional 12% report a reduced level of snoring. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea must be documented by a sleep study. We can assist you in checking with your insurance carrier for information about your specific benefits. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is sometimes covered. Treatment of snoring however is not an insurance company benefit. Overall, the LAUP procedure represents an advanced yet less complicated way to remedy a serious social, and often dangerous medical condition. Although surgery for snoring had once been considered major hospital surgery, using the CO2 laser enables Dr. Schuman to perform the LAUP in the office. Therefore, the outrageous expense of an overnight hospital stay are eliminated. Please feel free to ask Dr. Schuman or his staff questions regarding treatment.

827 Altos Oaks Dr., #4 Los Altos, CA 94024 (650) 948-6505 PHONE (650) 948-1812 FAX

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