What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

Dental Sleep Medicine is the screening, assessment, and management of sleep-related breathing disorders, including Snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Although sleep apnea (OSA) must be diagnosed by sleep physicians, dental practitioners are able to screen and provide treatments for suffering patients. Want to improve the quality of your sleep and overall health?

The Dental Practitioner's Role

• Recognize oral signs and symptoms
• Screen patients for medical co-factors and symptoms
• Educate patients on potential sleep breathing disorders and their risks
• Provide referral for appropriate testing by a certified sleep physician
• Selection, fitting, adjustments, and follow-up care of oral appliances
• To liaise with medical/dental team, including dentists, physicians, oral surgeons, ENT and sleep specialists to best improve your patients’ quality of life, sleep, and overall health

Dr. Kreuz is one of two dentists in Alberta who has obtained Diplomate status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. She has successfully managed several patients with obstructive sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing with oral appliance therapy.

Dr. Kreuz has dedicated herself to an ongoing pursuit of professional education and development and continues to build a network of medical professionals with whom to consult and refer.

In addition to implementing a screening protocol in her own practice, Dr. Kreuz welcomes referrals from CPAP retailers, general physicians, sleep physicians, and ENT specialists for their patients who may benefit from oral appliance therapy. OAT may be helpful for snoring, sleep apnea, upper airway resistance, and CPAP non-compliance.