Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Stop Snoring Implant

By Dr. Linda Niessen
Monday, March 21, 2005

STORY:  STOP SNORING IMPLANT

A new procedure to stop snoring requires only one visit to the dentist. The procedure makes use of an innovative implant completely different than regular dental implants. Dr. Linda Niessen has the details in today's Dental Health Check.

For years, Harold Chenault heard complaints from his wife and son about his loud snoring. "My son and I were on a hunting trip and we got up at five o'clock in the morning to go hunting. And I said are you ready to go? He said not really dad, I didn't sleep good last night. I said why not. He said because you kept me up snoring all night," said Harold.

But a trip to the dentist has made Harold's nights and days a lot better. Harold underwent the Pillar implant procedure, a new treatment for snoring as well as obstructive sleep apnea.

"I've been very pleased with it," he said
 
Harold's oral surgeon embedded three tiny polyester implants 18 millimeters long into his soft palate. Within a few weeks, firm tissue grows around the implants, stiffening the palate. This prevents the palate from vibrating or drooping during sleep and blocking the airway.

"Well this requires surgery although it is much less invasive than any of the other palatal procedures." Dr. Arlet Dunsworth, a Dallas oral and maxillofacial surgeon, performs the Pillar procedure.

"It's relatively easy to put in," said Dr. Dunsworth.
      
Patients recover quickly. The company that makes the implants claims snoring is reduced in 70 percent of patients and 50 percent may be cured.
 
For Harold, his nights are quieter and his days - more energetic. "On a scale of one to ten, how is my snoring now. She said before my surgery it was about a 12. And after it, it's about a one or two," he added.

The procedure costs about 15-hundred dollars. Patients with a strong gag reflex may need general anesthesia, which increases the cost.

And patients do not report any changes in speech, swallowing or taste. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News. 

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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