Pillar® Procedure is a minor surgery that is used to treat snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the muscles in the roof of your mouth, tongue and throat relax. If the muscles relax enough, tissue can partially block your airway and vibrate with every breath. The more tissue that gets in the way, the louder the vibration; the louder the vibration, the louder the snoring. This is the cause for more than 80 percent of individuals who snore. Pillar Procedure stiffens the soft palate, leading to a decrease in symptoms.
The procedure is simple; local anesthesia is administered and then three polyester rods are inserted in the soft palate. Each measures 18 millimeters in length and is less than an inch thick. The procedure is completed in the comfort of our office and takes only 20 to 30 minutes.
After the procedure, you will be asked to stay seated for a few minutes in order to make sure there is no significant bleeding or swelling. Most are able to resume normal activities that same day. Anti-inflammatory pain medications will be prescribed to keep the swelling down and help with the pain after the local anesthesia wears off. An antiseptic rinse may also be ordered to prevent infection.
As the tissue around the implants heals it becomes harder. This further helps with the reduction of vibration. Because of this, some may not experience full results for a few months.
In order to determine if Pillar Procedure is an appropriate treatment plan for your snoring, contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule a consultation.