Central Maryland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery partner Dr. Domenick Coletti talks about death as a result of ignoring snoring as a symptom of a serious disease.
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| Domenick Coletti. Photo Credit: thecarmelvalleylife.com |
Snoring: What it could mean
Snoring could be a sign of carotid artery atherosclerosis, or carotid stenosis, a narrowing of the arteries that is caused by the buildup of plaque (comprised of cholesterol deposits and other fatty substances) in the arteries. It reduces the blood flow rate as it clogs the arteries, thereby increasing the risk for heart attack or stroke which can lead to severe brain damage or even death. If left unaddressed, people with carotid artery stenosis decrease their survival rate by an estimated 36%.
Yet this is not always the case. As Dr. Domenick Coletti points out, there are several options to avoid death.
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| Domenick Coletti. Photo Credit: 352luxmag.lu |
Treating snoring symptoms
There is a variety of remediation options available for people who are vulnerable to this illness. Heavy snoring caused by carotid stenosis can be treated by using a Pillar and Procedure method, whereby three implants are inserted into the patient’s soft palate. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Patients who undergo this procedure have minimal post-operative discomfort, akin to a slightly sore throat or soreness in the mouth.
Though the Pillar Procedure is considered as the most invasive procedure to stop snoring, there are other methods that can help a person desist from snoring such as oral devices, jaw appliances, and even the “tennis ball” technique.
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| Domenick Coletti. Photo Credit: tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com |
More resources and information about Domenick Coletti and death risks related to snoring can be accessed at www.centralmarylandoms.com.
