Palate Coblation for Sleep Apnea & Snoring in New York City

You can expect some degree of discomfort after receiving palate radiofrequency treatment. This should be manageable by taking acetaminophen as directed. It's wise to take medication at the first indication of discomfort and to continue regular doses as directed for 12 to 24 hours. By doing this, you can prevent the unnecessary increase of pain to a point at which it feels intolerable. You can take acetaminophen but should not take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These, as well as certain herbal supplements, can increase your risk of bleeding and should be avoided for at least one week following palate Coblation®.

It isn't only direct discomfort in the palate that may occur after your treatment. Do not be alarmed if you experience some mild to moderate pressure or pain in the ears, jaw, or throat. If they do occur, these side effects may gradually resolve over one to two weeks. These areas can be affected by the radiofrequency procedure because they are in close proximity to the soft palate and are interconnected. You may feel as if the pain is in the ear when really it's in the throat. This is called referred pain and it's a common side effect that should resolve on its own without further treatment.

After your palate Coblation® procedure, the goal is to help the area heal and develop adequate scar tissue to stiffen lax tissue. We also want to control discomfort and minimize the risks of bleeding, infection, and prolonged pain. To help your body recover as quickly as possible, you might do one or more of the following:

• Modify your diet. In general, you can eat whatever feels comfortable for you. Foods that might cause unnecessary irritation in soft palate tissue include those that are spicy or hot. Expect some swelling in the palate or throat area and plan accordingly. Mild difficulty swallowing may warrant a soft-food diet for a few days. Usually, after three to four days, it's possible to eat normally.
• Suck on ice. Holding an ice cube in the mouth for a few minutes can do a lot for pain relief. The brain isn't adept at differentiating between pain and cold, and cold can sometimes override pain. Like diet modifications, this strategy may be needed only for two or three days. You can do it a few times a day as needed.
• Curtail certain activities. You can and should spend time walking after your palate Coblation® procedure. Walking can hasten tissue healing and also prevents blood clots from forming in the legs. Too much inactivity after any dental or medical procedure carries a risk of clotting. So, walk a few minutes at least three times a day and increase your activity gradually over the course of a few weeks. For the first week, it's important to avoid strenuous activities that increase heart rate and blood pressure.
• Avoid certain oral products. Dr. Volpi may discuss oral care in detail at the time of your appointment. In general, after the palate Coblation® procedure, you should avoid the use of mouthwash, throat spray, and lozenges. Many of these products contain alcohol, which can irritate the tissue of the soft palate.