Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Understanding the Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options

Snoring and sleep apnea are common sleep-related disorders that can significantly impact your health, quality of life, and even your relationships. While snoring may seem like a harmless annoyance, it can often indicate a more serious condition known as sleep apnea. At our Lincoln, NJ dental practice, led by Dr. Jeffrey Falduto, we specialize in identifying and treating sleep apnea and chronic snoring with advanced dental solutions. Contact us today at (973) 696-4200 to schedule your consultation.

Request an Appointment

What is Snoring?

Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate and produce sound. While occasional snoring is common, habitual snoring can indicate an underlying problem, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Common Causes of Snoring:

  • Obstructed nasal airways
  • Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue
  • Excess throat tissue or enlarged tonsils
  • Alcohol consumption before bedtime
  • Sleep position (sleeping on your back)


While snoring is often viewed as a minor inconvenience, it can disrupt sleep patterns for both the snorer and their partner, leading to poor-quality rest and daytime fatigue.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last for a few seconds to over a minute and can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night.


Types of Sleep Apnea:


  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by a physical blockage in the airway.
  2. Central Sleep Apnea: A less common type caused by a failure of the brain to signal the muscles to breathe.
  3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.


Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud, persistent snoring
  • Frequent gasping or choking during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability or mood swings

Risks Associated with Untreated Sleep Apnea

Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including:

  • High Blood Pressure

    Frequent interruptions in breathing can elevate blood pressure.

  • Heart Disease

    Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, and stroke.


  • Diabetes

    Poor sleep quality can affect insulin sensitivity.


  • Cognitive Impairment

    Sleep apnea can lead to memory problems and poor focus.


  • Daytime Accidents

    Fatigue caused by poor sleep increases the risk of accidents at work or while driving.


Diagnosis and Evaluation

If you or a loved one experience symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s essential to seek professional help. Diagnosis typically involves:


  • Sleep Study (Polysomnography): Conducted in a sleep center or at home to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity.
  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Jeffrey Falduto will review your medical history, symptoms, and sleep habits.
  • Oral Examination: Checking for physical obstructions, such as excess throat tissue or a small airway.


Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications and significantly improve your overall health.

Dental Solutions for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

At our Lincoln, NJ dental practice, we offer advanced dental treatments to address snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.


Oral Appliance Therapy

One of the most effective dental treatments for sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. These custom-made devices are worn in the mouth during sleep and help keep the airway open by:

  • Repositioning the jaw
  • Preventing the tongue from collapsing backward
  • Stabilizing the soft tissues in the throat


Oral appliances are comfortable, non-invasive, and an excellent alternative to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines for many patients.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy:

  • Comfortable and easy to wear
  • Portable and convenient for travel
  • Quiet and non-disruptive
  • Effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea
  • Improves overall sleep quality

CPAP vs. Oral Appliance Therapy

While CPAP machines are often the go-to treatment for severe sleep apnea, many patients find them uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently. Oral appliances offer an effective alternative for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

  • CPAP: Delivers continuous airflow through a mask to keep airways open.
  • Oral Appliance: Repositions the jaw and prevents airway collapse.

During your consultation, Dr. Jeffrey Falduto will help determine the most appropriate treatment option for your condition.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Snoring and Sleep Apnea

In addition to professional treatments, certain lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea:



  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce throat tissue obstruction.
  • Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime.
  • Establish a regular sleep schedule.
  • Sleep on your side rather than your back.
  • Elevate your head while sleeping.


Combining these strategies with professional treatment can lead to significant improvements in your sleep quality.

Why Choose Dr. Jeffrey Falduto for Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment?

At our Lincoln, NJ dental practice, Dr. Jeffrey Falduto has over 30 years of experience in treating dental and sleep-related conditions. Our commitment to personalized care ensures each patient receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.


What Sets Us Apart:

  • Advanced diagnostic tools for accurate evaluation
  • Customized oral appliance therapy
  • Compassionate care in a comfortable setting
  • Collaboration with sleep specialists for comprehensive care


We are dedicated to helping you achieve restful, uninterrupted sleep and improving your overall health.

Know More

Schedule Your Appointment Today


If you or a loved one is struggling with snoring or sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek treatment. Early intervention can prevent serious health complications and dramatically enhance your quality of life.




Take control of your sleep health with expert care from Dr. Jeffrey Falduto and our team. Schedule your consultation today and start enjoying the benefits of a full night’s sleep!

Share by: