Sometimes, dental care can be confusing. Not because you’re not sure how to keep your teeth and gums clean or how to access professional care when you need it. Instead, you may find that you hear terminology that seems to be identical but you realize there are likely some subtle nuances that make them different! To help ensure you’re on track with oral health related details that can cause any patient to become a little unsure about which is which, our Ankeny, IA team covers common topics. Remember, the more you learn, the more you get out of smile care!
A Bridge And A Partial?
Nope, they’re not the same! However, that doesn’t mean these two areas of dental care are not often confused. After all, they both help you replace partial tooth loss. So, let’s set the record straight:
- If you are deciding on a partial denture, this is a removable device that helps you replace just about any configuration of missing teeth (just not a full arch)
- If you are deciding on a dental bridge, then remember that this is a fixed, not removable, device, that can help you replace up to three teeth (as long as they’re missing all in a row)
Snoring And Sleep Apnea?
Snoring! Sleep apnea! Are they identical? The answer is no! However, you can receive the same dental care to fix them (an oral appliance). Snoring is the sound that you make when the tissues in your throat touch each other due to the partial relaxation of your throat muscles. Sleep apnea is when these tissues collapse onto one another because the muscles relax completely, thereby blocking your airways. If you have sleep apnea, you probably snore. If you snore, you may or may not have sleep apnea!
Gingivitis And Gum Disease?
Isn’t gingivitis also gum disease, you ask? Well, here’s the deal. Gum disease is the term we use to refer to any type of disease that is affecting your gingiva (or gum tissue). Gingivitis is the very first phase of the disease. So, gingivitis is the first step! If you refer to it as gum disease, you are correct. However, you cannot refer to all types of gum disease as “gingivitis,” as this specifically refers to the initial inflammation that occurs as the problem begins to develop.
Receive Answers To All Dental Related Questions
Come in for more information about your smile, your dental care, and any particular area of smile protection or improvement as it applies to you! Simply call us to set up an appointment when you need us. Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
