Academics:
Faculty, USC School of Dentistry
Graduate, USC School of Dentistry
Special Qualifications:
Fellow,
Academy of General Dentistry
Fellow, International College of
Cranio- Mandibular Orthopaedics
Fellow, International Academy of
Mini Dental Implants
Fellow, International Congress of
Oral Implantologists
Fellow, Institute for Advanced
Laser Dentistry
Conscious Sedation Permit,
Dental Board of California
Member:
Member, American Dental Association
Member, California Dental Association
Associate Member, American
Academy of Periodontology
Associate Member, Western Society
Academy of Periodontology
Member, American Academy of
Dental Sleep Medicine
Member, American Academy of
Implant Dentistry
Member, American Dental Society
of Anesthesiology
Member, American Academy of
Pain Management
Member, American Academy of
Sleep Medicine
Member, Academy of Microscope
Enhanced Dentistry
Member, Special Care Dentistry
Association
Lectures & Presentations:
San Gabriel Valley Dental Society
San Gabriel Valley Dental
Assistants Society
San Fernando Valley Dental Society
Western Dental Society
Indian Dental Society
Chinese Dental Society
Punjabi Dental Society
Academy for Excellence in Dentistry
University of Texas, Department
of Periodontics
Community Service:
SMILE TALK, KRLA
Radio Talk Show Host, KDAR
KSPA
Columnist, Around Alhambra
Columnist, Cascades
Operation Gratitude
Honors & Recognition:
Doctor of Divinity, Chinese for
Christ Theological Seminary
Lifetime Member, ADA, CDA
USC Dentistry Associates, Dean’s
Member
Recognition for Outstanding Service,
USC School of Dentistry
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Your Dentist Can Treat Snoring and Sleep Apnea
John C. Chao, D.D.S., F.A.G.D
Anxiety Management,
Behavior Science,
Faculty, USC School of Dentistry
While snoring is common and often harmless, at least to the snorer, it can be a warning sign of "obstructive sleep apnea” (OSA), a serious medical condition that affects an estimated 18 million people in the United States, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (ACSM). Dangers related to OSA include severe daytime sleepiness, loss of short term memory, an increased risk of high blood pressure and higher rates of stroke and heart attack.
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| Image of Brain showing abnormal activity in a patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
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Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block the airway during sleep, which produces pauses in breathing that prevent air from getting to the lungs," said Dr. Kent E. Moore, president of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
"These pauses can occur a few times or several hundred times per night," Dr. Moore added.
Cowards Welcome: All of our services are done with the explicit goal of making your experience as comfortable as possible. You will be amazed at how quickly your anxiety can vanish! We see this happen every day.
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Oral Appliance (OA) |
While this appliance maintains the lower jaw in a more forward position, it still allows the jaw to have a large degree of range of motion. You can think of it as a nightguard that advances the lower jaw into a forward position.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed? Not every case of sleep apnea can be treated with OA’s. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that mild and moderate cases of sleep apnea be treated with oral appliances when other methods such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) or surgery is inappropriate or not preferred. |
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CPAP is a device that is attached to the mouth and/or nose that assists in unobstructed breathing through positive air pressure. For severe sleep apnea, the ACSM recommends that CPAP should be the treatment of choice.
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Oral Appliance (OA) |
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In addition the TMJ and the occlusion (bite) need to be examined periodically to make sure no undesirable changes are occurring. If only snoring is the concern, then the protocol is simplified. After ruling out abnormal conditions in your jaw joints, bite, teeth and gum condition, your dentist may fit you with the appropriate appliance. Many patients report better, deeper restful sleep, less daytime fatigue, more energy and better emotional disposition. |
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Oral Appliance (OA)
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