Pillar Procedure For Snoring

Collaboration of dentistry and medicine key in the treatment of snoring and ...

By Larry Aronson, DDS, and Matthew D. Mingrone, MD

Snoring and poor sleep are pervasive conditions in America. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that more than 90 million Americans snore, and long-term health implications of snoring and poor sleep ensue. Research has linked the long-term effects of poor sleep to noninsulin-dependent diabetes , hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Historically, the treatments available for snoring have been either ineffective home remedies (sewing a tennis ball into the back of a nightshirt) or treatments that are difficult for patients to comply with (CPAP and surgery).

Recently, advances in medical technology have provided revolutionary and life-changing treatments that are simple, safe, effective, and convenient. Clinical evidence has also shown that an integrated team approach of medical professionals (physicians, dentists, nurses) delivering coordinated care in one facility improves outcomes. New paradigms are being developed, which utilize minimally invasive, comprehensive, multilevel treatment. A coordinated team can deliver these treatments using the skill, training, and airway expertise of both an otolaryngologist (ENT physician) and a dentist, both of whom focus on treating sleep disordered breathing.

The indirect costs of sleep disorders are estimated to be more than $41 billion a year from lost work productivity, up to $27 billion from automobile accidents, $7 billion in work-related injuries, and up to $4 billion a year in home accidents. Sleep has only recently received the attention from the medical community, researchers, and lay public that it deserves. The connection between sleep and optimal health is often not made. A survey at Stanford University in 2008 asked more than 600 people about their knowledge of the pillars of health and wellness. Only 1.7% of respondents included sleep as a key component to health (99% stated fitness, 92% included nutrition).

Snoring is a noise caused by vibration of the upper airway soft tissues. There are more than 10 different anatomical areas that can contribute to snoring. It is a complex condition where more than one of these areas contributes to the condition. For example, the soft palate is often a major contributor. Blocked nasal passages or a misalignment of the tongue and the jaw often contribute as well. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are more frequent major causes in the pediatric population. Lifestyle plays a role too. Beyond body composition, fitness level, social habits (alcohol consumption, tobacco usage), and stress can add to the severity of the condition and, ultimately, poor sleep.

Snoring/Sleep Apnea Surgery – Pillar Procedure | health 71

Now there’s a simple, safe, minimally invasive treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Unlike other painful and invasive surgical procedures, the Pillar Procedure is a simple treatment that your doctor can perform in a single short office visit or in combination with other procedures. More than 30000 people worldwide have been treated with the Pillar Procedure.

This video describes the cause for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The physicians of Snoring Austin (Daniel Slaughter, MD, Christopher Thompson, MD, & Zachary Wassmuth, MD) each have over 15 years of experience in treating both snoring and sleep apnea. There are several treatment options for both problems, some even work the same day!

San Diego Magazine

San Diego Magazine

Snoring and Sleep Apnea, Sleep Well, Feel Better

San Diego Magazine

Sleep apnea and snoring, surgical and non-surgical therapy