The term "radiofrequency ablation" may seem a bit frightening or overwhelming to many people; the idea of using radio waves for the treatment of any type of physical condition can seem like something from a sci-fi movie.  But in reality radio waves are very useful in many different types of treatments for many different conditions from irregular heartbeats to varicose veins, and using radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of snoring is becoming more and more common.

Some cases of snoring are caused by an excessive amount of tissue around the soft palate, which is the area at the roof of the mouth near the back.  When there is excessive tissue in the soft palate this tissue vibrates as a person breathes at night.  Radiofrequency ablation is a rather simple procedure that reduces and stiffens this excessive tissue so that it doesn't vibrate like this.

The procedure of radiofrequency ablation is relatively minor and is done on an outpatient basis, meaning that it typically does not require any type of hospital stay.  This is one reason that radiofrequency ablation is becoming a popular option among physicians and patients alike.  Because it does not knives or scalpels there is much less bleeding and typically none at all.  Rarely is any tissue actually cut away but rather is simply made firmer so that it does not vibrate during sleep.

Of course not everyone is a candidate for radiofrequency ablation and this procedure will not cure every case of snoring.  It depends on what is causing your snoring and if the amount of tissue you have in the soft palate can be fixed with a stiffening procedure rather than needing to be actually cut away.  If you are a candidate for radiofrequency ablation it's important to realize that it can cause some swelling and discomfort for a few days and you may need to follow a soft foods diet for that time.  However usually patients are back to their regular routine and regular diet within just a day or two; most return to work the day after the procedure.  There seems to be no interference with speech, swallowing, or any other functions of the mouth and many who undergo radiofrequency ablation report being happy with the results.  So if your snoring is keeping you up at night or is disturbing anyone else in your home, it's time to talk to your doctor about this procedure.