Millions of Americans and their sleep partners are affected by snoring. This can be an isolated problem or a symptom of a more severe sleep disturbance such as obstructive sleep apnea. A thorough evaluation is needed to identify the sleep disorder and provide the best treatment options. For benign snoring, several office procedures under local anesthesia are available to improve snoring. Nasal obstruction can also contribute to snoring and may require additional medical or surgical treatments.
Sleep apnea -- Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, where breathing stops or is suppressed during sleep.
Symptoms can include:
• Pauses in breathing
• Restless sleep
• Frequent awakening
• Daytime fatigue
• Unrefreshing sleep
Sleep apnea can result in a drop in the oxygen level in the blood during sleep causing a significant strain on the heart and lungs. Contributing factors to sleep apnea include nasal obstruction, enlarged tonsils, elongated palate and weight gain. A thorough head and neck examination and sleep study are frequently used to diagnose this disorder. Several medical and surgical treatments are available. Learn more about sleep apnea treatments>>
The Pillar® Procedure
The Pillar Procedure is an effective and less invasive treatment for people suffering from sleep apnea. During a brief office visit your ENT physician will administer a local anesthetic and then inject three small implants in your soft palate to help stiffen the pallet to reduce snoring and airway obstruction during sleep. You should not be able to feel these implants and, other than some minor pain up to 24 hours after the procedure, you can return to normal eating habits and should experience more restful sleep. Learn more about the Pillar Procedure>>
GAHM Procedures for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The GAHM Procedure is a major surgical procedure that advances the genial tubercle (a bump on the inside of the tip of the chinbone) along with its associated muscle attachments and the Hyoid bone (the Adams apple). The GAHM procedure may be done in conjunction with modifications to the back of the tongue (laser midline glossectomy and lingualplasty) to further open the airway.