Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty for the treatment of snoring.

Snoring is seldom discussed outside of the household. Unfortunately, snoring can be a sign of a life-threatening disease called obstructive sleep apnea, or, OSA. This article helps dentists detect OSA early by paying attention to subtle findings during routine oral exams, asking pertinent questions and, finally, making a referral to specialists who are trained and experienced in treating these cases. The article also delineates a range of treatment modalities, including laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty and its modification.