STORY: STOP SNORING IMPLANT
SCRIPT #597 SHOOT: 3/15/05
AIRDATE: Monday, March 21, 2005
DHC Master #20 Timecode: 51:46 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
SOVT: 1:43 today's Dental Health Check.
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HAROLD WALKING INTO OFFICE (VOICE-OVER)
SUPER: Dallas :02-07 For years, Harold Chenault heard complaints
from his wife and son about his loud snoring.
SUPER: Harold Chenault :09-13 ("My son and I were on a hunting trip
Pillar Procedure Patient 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.")
DR. DUNSWORTH WITH HAROLD
But a trip to the dentist has made Harold's nights and days a lot better.
SUPER: Restore Medical Video :25-30
Harold underwent the Pillar implant procedure, a new treatment for snoring
as well as obstructive sleep
apnea.
HAROLD DUNSWORTH ("I've been very pleased with it.")
ANIMATION 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.
SUPER: Dr. Arlet Dunsworth :52-57 ("Well this requires surgery although it
Oral Surgeon is much less invasive than any of the
other palatal procedures.")
TWO-SHOT Dr. Arlet Dunsworth, a Dallas oral and maxillofacial surgeon, performs the Pillar procedure.
DR. DUNSWORTH ("It's relatively easy to put in.")
FILE VIDEO OF THE PROCEDURE Patients recover quickly. The company
that makes the implants claims snoring
is reduced in 70 percent of patients and
50 percent may be cured.
HAROLD CHENAULT For Harold, his nights are quieter and his days - more energetic.
HAROLD CHENAULT ("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.")
MORE OF PROCEDURE The procedure costs about 15-hundred
dollars. Patients with a strong gag reflex may need general anesthesia, which increases the cost.
(ON CAMERA) (STAND-UP CLOSE)
SUPER: Dr. Linda Niessen 1:32-1:37
Baylor College of Dentistry 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.
For Viewer Inquiries
Dr. Arlet Dunsworth, Oral Surgeon
8201 Preston Road, 2nd Floor
Dallas, TX
214-363-2475
Additional information can be
found at the manufacturer's website: