The Pillar® Procedure is a safe and effective oral surgery technique designed to reduce or eliminate snoring, a common symptom of sleep apnea. For patients who suffer from this condition, snoring is often an indication that the airways have become partially or completely blocked during sleep. In light of the significant health risks posed by sleep apnea, the Pillar® Procedure has enabled many patients to enjoy a greater quality of sleep while also protecting their overall health.
Excess or loose tissue in the back of the throat is the leading cause of snoring, and more than 80% of patients are unable to control this condition on their own. During sleep, the soft tissues of the throat, soft palate, and the tongue tend to collapse, and the patient’s attempt to breathe through the nose and mouth are restricted. The result is the loud vibration caused by the air being forced past the blockage.
For patients who have been diagnosed with the following conditions, the Pillar® Procedure is designed to provide significant relief:
- Chronic, uncontrollable snoring caused by loose tissue in the soft palate
- Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
By stiffening the palate and reducing the degree of the vibrations, the Pillar® Procedure provides a simple and effective solution to help you stop snoring. This treatment can be performed in an oral surgeon’s office under local anesthetic.
The procedure involves the placement of 3 small, woven implants into the soft palate. The implant material, used in medical devices for more than 5 decades, has been proven safe and compatible with the human body. Once in place, the implants promote the formation of fibrotic tissue. This process effectively stiffens the soft palate and reduces the tissue vibration, thereby eliminating or reducing the tendency to snore.
If you have been unsuccessful in your fight against sleep apnea and/or severe snoring, contact our experienced team at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery today to learn more about this treatment option.
