Sleep ApneaAn Overview
Did You Know? 50% of people who snore loudly have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
*According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
You probably haven’t considered visiting the dentist for snoring or sleep apnea treatment. But, dentistry isn’t limited to the cleaning and care of teeth. The office of Dr. Donna Vagnozzi-Bucci can treat sleep related breathing disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea using a dental appliance known as a snore guard.
Snoring is characterized on TV and in movies as a hilarious condition. In reality, snoring is an extremely complex condition, affecting millions of Americans. Both the snorer and their partner have a diminished quality of sleep. In addition, studies have linked snoring to major health problems including sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common of the sleep-related breathing disorder. Patients who suffer from OSA stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, caused by a blockage of the airway usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the mouth collapses. Sleep apnea can have an impact on your overall health and well being if left untreated, greatly increasing your risk for sudden heart attack and stroke.
Do You Have Sleep Apnea? Take The Quiz
The first step in diagnosing a sleep disorder is to complete our Dental Sleep Questionnaire. This provides a foundation upon which we can diagnose and treat any possible sleep-related issues with questions related to common signs and symptoms. Click here to download a copy of the questionnaire.
Friendly staff, cozy environment. Makes going to the dentist a more pleasurable experience.Danielle M.
I’ve been going to Dr. Vagnozzi since she opened her practice. Everyone is amazing! Dr. Vagnozzi takes her time and really pays attention to detail. I always feel like she is giving me the best advice!Phyllis C.
Just a little note of thanks for taking the time to deal with my big baby! He is terrified of the dentist and you made it a bit less scary for him. The tender pampering you and your staff offer goes a long way! Thanks a million.Kim and Ian
Sleep Apnea What to Expect
Dental sleep medicine is a facet of general dentistry focused on treating sleep disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The office of Dr. Vagnozzi-Bucci uses oral appliance therapy to treat snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Common Signs & Symptoms Include:
- Loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep
- Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
- Moodiness, irritability
- Dry mouth
What is an oral appliance and how does it work?
A snore guard is a removable device, similar to a sports mouth guard. The device is designed to properly align the jaws and prevent the tongue and soft tissue from blocking the airway during sleep.
Studies show that patients who have been successfully treated for sleep apnea with both the CPAP and a dental appliance preferred the dental appliance as their long term option. A custom fit oral appliance is more comfortable, portable and easy to maintain when compared to the traditional CPAP, encouraging better compliance and improving symptoms.
