A Hamden native, Dr. Palluotto is a graduate of the Hopkins School in New Haven, Trinity College and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He has a 2-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Family Dentistry and Teaching Experience.
Dr. Palluotto has been in practice for over 25 years, and each member of our staff has been in the practice for a very long time. Our patients are like family members to us. They trust us and return to us year after year. We have many generations of patients who continue to love coming to our practice.
Dr. Palluotto has been making sleep apnea and snoring appliances for the past 20 years. He has been a member of The National Sleep Foundation Ad Hoc Committee on Sleep Awareness. He has also successfully overcome Sleep Apnea as a patient himself and has a keen insight how this disorder developes from early childhood to Old Age.
The patients well-being is of paramount importance to us. This includes patient comfort, safety, quality of dental work, and trust. We have a unconditionally high regard for patients and therefore patients are welcome to ask any and all questions to achieve a comfortable level of understanding of their oral health.
Its primarily caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids which, during the younger ages, are most actively enlarging due to the childs immune system becoming hardwired and programmed due to initial exposures to viruses, bacteria and antigens like molds and pollen. During sleep, especially valuable REM sleep, there is a decrease in muscle tone causing the airway to narrow. If the tonsils and adenoids are enlarged ( which in some children is constant) the airway collapses and becomes blocked. This blockage causes a chain of events that cause the child to wake up for short intervals due to lack of oxygen in the blood and brain. During these intervals, the child wakes up just long enough to resume breathing but not long enough to gain consciousness. This is why they dont remember these episodes. These repeated awakening periods cause a fragmented sleep pattern which causes the the childs body and brain to be unrefreshed leading to significant daytime problems, both physical and behavioral. This is why children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea are predisposed to being irritable, cranky, and frustrated more often . Most importantly they will become HYPERACTIVE, RESTLESS, EASILY DISTRACTED and HAVE DIFFICULTY PAYING ATTENTION and MAKING DECISIONS , acting confused as a result. These are also symptoms often attributed to ADD / ADHD which is a chronic behavioral disorder which sometimes requires a life time of different therapies including very strong pharmacological stimulants. Pediatric Obstructive sleep apnea is many times a reversible condition. You dont want your child misdiagnosed.
So What are some of the objective signs of pediatric sleep apnea ? BE CAREFUL BECAUSE IT ISNT ALWAYS OVERT SNORING. Many times it is as simple as very restless, contorting sleep and grinding of teeth. When the blood oxygen level gets dangerously low, the brain sends signals to the body to get in in any position that opens the airway. This is often an ached neck and back in almost a backward position. Grinding of teeth is the childs brain sending the signal to push the jaw forward to pull the base of the tongue away from the throat.
If your child exhibits this pattern of signs and symptoms they must be evaluated by their pediatrician or ENT specialist. They may prescribe an overnight Polysomnography Test or sleep test to determine if they have true obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep-related problems. If a positive test result, very often a simple out-patient surgical procedure, a Tonsil and/or Adenoidectomy provides a definitive abatement of the airway obstruction leading to a significant and drastic improvement in the childs quality of life and performance in school.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 20 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDominic Nastri
a year ago
Dr. Palluotto is a great dentist. I am someone who has had just about every issue possible with my teeth, and he has helped me tremendously. He walks me through every possible solution, and educates me, rather than just blindly diagnosing. A lot of dentists will just try to diagnose you and try to make a quick buck. Dr. P is clearly not this type, and is truly just trying to help his patients. On top of that, he gives great local food recommendations. Definitely would recommend scheduling an appointment.
Charles Abissi
2 years ago
Experience Professional for all your dental needs. From the first day I visited Stephen's office I know I've been cared for and treated like family for me and my kids. AND dependable, trustful, knowledgeable, friendly, personable dentists -- highly recommend!
K. S.
2 years ago
Dr. Palluotto is the best dentist I've personally ever had. I have terrible anxiety regarding dentists due to past experiences, but Dr. Palluotto is extremely kind and knowledgeable and always communicates with me well, which eases that. The staff are all wonderful and polite and the office atmosphere overall is very welcoming. I feel very fortunate to have found Dr. Palluotto after so many negative experiences elsewhere and would recommend him to anyone.
Stephen Humes
3 years ago
Dr. Palluotto provides excellent dentistry services and is always a pleasure to visit. His team delivers a comfortable and efficient backup for the good doctor's work. He's a great conversationalist as well, bringing humor and a depth of knowledge ranging from where to find the best pizza in the area to how to catch big stripers out on Long Island Sound or beyond. He once pulled a clutch of spare fish from his freezer for me after an abundant outing. I strongly recommend Dr. Palluotto.
John Humes
3 years ago
I've been going to Dr. Palluotto for over half my life. He is a clear master of his craft and creates a pleasant experience by showing genuine interest in each patient's lives as he works on them. As a musician and music lover, I frequently find myself locked in discussions about classic '70s hard rock bands etc. whenever I go for a visit and I thoroughly enjoy our talks. A true professional, I highly recommend Dr. Palluotto.
Charles Abissi
3 years ago
Experience Professional for all your dental needs. From the first day I visited Stephen's office I know I've been cared for and treated like family for me and my kids. AND dependable, trustful, knowledgeable, friendly, personable dentists -- highly recommend!
Annie Grayson-Black
3 years ago
Dr S Palluotto is a caring , patient and knowledgeable dentist. Just recently had my first appointment and was impressed with the dentist and his staff. I highly recommend.
K. S.
3 years ago
Dr. Palluotto is the best dentist I've personally ever had. I have terrible anxiety regarding dentists due to past experiences, but Dr. Palluotto is extremely kind and knowledgeable and always communicates with me well, which eases that. The staff are all wonderful and polite and the office atmosphere overall is very welcoming. I feel very fortunate to have found Dr. Palluotto after so many negative experiences elsewhere and would recommend him to anyone.
John Humes
3 years ago
I've been going to Dr. Palluotto for over half my life. He is a clear master of his craft and creates a pleasant experience by showing genuine interest in each patient's lives as he works on them. As a musician and music lover, I frequently find myself locked in discussions about classic '70s hard rock bands etc. whenever I go for a visit and I thoroughly enjoy our talks. A true professional, I highly recommend Dr. Palluotto.
Stephen Humes
3 years ago
Dr. Palluotto provides excellent dentistry services and is always a pleasure to visit. His team delivers a comfortable and efficient backup for the good doctor's work. He's a great conversationalist as well, bringing humor and a depth of knowledge ranging from where to find the best pizza in the area to how to catch big stripers out on Long Island Sound or beyond. He once pulled a clutch of spare fish from his freezer for me after an abundant outing. I strongly recommend Dr. Palluotto.
Linda Humes
3 years ago
Dr. Palluotto has been our family's dentist for well over 20 years. He is a consummate professional. My children loved him at a young age, and now as young adults, they still don't mind going to the dentist. He explains what needs to be done in as much detail as his patient would like him to, and his work is top-notch. On top of that, his office staff is friendly and helpful. Insurance is dealt with seamlessly as well. I highly recommend Stephen Palluotto for any and all dental services. Another nice perk is that Dr. Palluotto is also certified to work with sleep apnea patients, which ties in nicely with his dental background. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend this dental practice!
Annie Grayson-Black
3 years ago
Dr S Palluotto is a caring , patient and knowledgeable dentist. Just recently had my first appointment and was impressed with the dentist and his staff. I highly recommend.
Jakob Loren
3 years ago
Dr. Pallutto is a great dentist. He is very personable and knowledgeable. I would recommend him to anyone.
Tory Bray
3 years ago
Dr. Stephen J. Palluotto, D.M.D. At his Hamden practice on Whitney Avenue, is by far, the best dentist I have ever had in my entire life. He is professional, knowledgeable, and has never lost his passion for his profession. In these most difficult of times, our health providers need our support more than ever. Thank you Dr. Palluotto, for all you have done for me. You have my respect and admiration. Please keep doing what you do best.- Doug Bray of No. Haven
Jakob Loren
4 years ago
Dr. Pallutto is a great dentist. He is very personable and knowledgeable. I would recommend him to anyone.
Linda Humes
4 years ago
Dr. Palluotto has been our family's dentist for well over 20 years. He is a consummate professional. My children loved him at a young age, and now as young adults, they still don't mind going to the dentist. He explains what needs to be done in as much detail as his patient would like him to, and his work is top-notch. On top of that, his office staff is friendly and helpful. Insurance is dealt with seamlessly as well. I highly recommend Stephen Palluotto for any and all dental services. Another nice perk is that Dr. Palluotto is also certified to work with sleep apnea patients, which ties in nicely with his dental background. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend this dental practice!
Tory Bray
4 years ago
Dr. Stephen J. Palluotto, D.M.D. At his Hamden practice on Whitney Avenue, is by far, the best dentist I have ever had in my entire life. He is professional, knowledgeable, and has never lost his passion for his profession. In these most difficult of times, our health providers need our support more than ever. Thank you Dr. Palluotto, for all you have done for me. You have my respect and admiration. Please keep doing what you do best.- Doug Bray of No. Haven
canadianhaitian
4 years ago
Top of the line dentist and office. Highly recommended, I had my first visit yesterday with my 6 years old son and dentist was so welcoming and made him feel so special and not scared at all. Gentle hands, comfortable and very friendly. Staff is great as well! Overall great office and will definitely continue going there.
canadianhaitian
5 years ago
Top of the line dentist and office. Highly recommended, I had my first visit yesterday with my 6 years old son and dentist was so welcoming and made him feel so special and not scared at all. Gentle hands, comfortable and very friendly. Staff is great as well! Overall great office and will definitely continue going there.
XV
5 years ago
Palloutto power pinch
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