Dental Bridges in Clovis, CA | Pocasangre Oliva Dental

A missing tooth can affect more than just your appearance; it can impact your ability to chew, speak, and maintain the alignment of your other teeth. At Pocasangre Oliva Dental, we provide custom-made dental bridges to fill these gaps and restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process with clear communication and expert care.

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Restoring Your Teeth with Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns secured to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These anchoring teeth are known as abutment teeth. By "bridging" the gap, this restoration prevents a cascade of oral health issues that can occur when a tooth is lost.

Leaving a gap in your smile can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and rotate into the space. This movement can lead to a misaligned bite, difficulty chewing, uneven tooth wear, and even discomfort in your jaw joint (TMJ). A dental bridge holds the adjacent teeth in their correct positions, preserving your bite and preventing these future complications.

Bridges are crafted from durable, high-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, which are designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless look. A well-made bridge not only restores function but also supports your facial structure and protects your gums.

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Common Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges, and the best option for you depends on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of the adjacent teeth.

Here are the main types:

1. Traditional Bridges: The most common type, involving crowns on both sides of the missing tooth with an artificial tooth (pontic) in between. They are strong and usually made of porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic materials.
2. Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap. While effective in certain situations, they are not recommended for the back of the mouth because of the force they place on the supporting teeth.
3. Maryland Bridges: A conservative option that uses a metal or porcelain framework with "wings" bonded to adjacent teeth, preserving more natural tooth structure without needing crowns.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges: Ideal for replacing several missing teeth, these bridges are secured by dental implants placed in the jawbone, offering stability and preserving bone structure.

The right type of bridge depends on your oral health, the number of missing teeth, and your bite. Each bridge is custom-made to fit your mouth and restore natural function. Choosing the correct bridge ensures your teeth stay in place and your bite remains balanced.

At Pocasangre Oliva Dental, we can help you decide which type of dental bridge is best for your unique needs.

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Step-by-Step Dental Bridge Process

Getting a dental bridge is a multi-step process designed to ensure a comfortable and precise fit.

1. Consultation and Preparation: Your first visit involves a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. The abutment teeth are then prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns that will support the bridge.
2. Impressions: Next, we take impressions, or digital scans, of your teeth. This serves as a precise model for our dental laboratory to custom-craft your bridge, crowns, and pontics. We will also select a shade for your bridge that perfectly matches the color of your natural teeth. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made.
3. Final Fitting: Once your permanent bridge is ready, you will return for a second appointment. We will remove the temporary bridge and check the fit and comfort of the new one. After making any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite is correct, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.

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The Role of Technology in Creating Dental Bridges

Modern dental technology plays a crucial role in the precision and success of dental bridges. At Pocasangre Oliva Dental, we use advanced tools to design bridges that fit perfectly and function naturally.

• Digital Scans: Instead of traditional messy impression molds, we use intraoral scanners to capture highly accurate 3D images of your teeth.
• CAD/CAM Technology: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) enable the design and fabrication of a custom bridge with an exact fit and a natural appearance.
• 3D Imaging: For implant-supported bridges, advanced imaging helps us plan the exact placement of the implants for optimal stability and long-term success.

These technologies improve accuracy, reduce treatment time, and result in a stronger, more comfortable, and longer-lasting restoration.

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Caring for Your Dental Bridge

With proper care, a dental bridge can last for many years. Good oral hygiene is essential to protect the underlying teeth and gums from decay and disease.

• Brush twice a day and floss daily. It is important to clean under the artificial tooth. We can show you how to use a floss threader or special brush to do this effectively.
• Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects to prevent damage to the bridge.
• Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings to ensure your bridge and your oral health remain in top condition.

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Why Choose a Dental Bridge for Missing Teeth

Dental bridges restore chewing, speaking, and bite stability. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, leading to problems with chewing, jaw discomfort, or uneven wear. Bridges prevent these issues and help maintain your face's natural shape.

Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge also makes it easier to clean your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. Properly aligned teeth reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

Bridges are fixed in place, giving stability and comfort compared with removable options. At Pocasangre Oliva Dental, we focus on treatments that restore function, protect oral health, and improve patients' overall quality of life with missing teeth.

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Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Victoria Pocasangre, DDS

Dr. Victoria Pocasangre has been serving the dental needs of families in California since 2006, bringing over two decades of dedicated experience to her patients. A 1989 graduate of the Universidad Evangelica in El Salvador, she is renowned for her gentle, highly skilled approach to dental care for both children and adults. Her expertise includes providing specialized pediatric care under general anesthesia, a service she has offered at The Community Outpatient Surgery Center of Fresno since 2007. Dr. Pocasangre is also certified to provide nitrous oxide sedation, ensuring a comfortable, stress-free experience for children, teens, and adults alike. In 2010, she founded Pocasangre Oliva Dental with a clear mission: to provide every patient with respect, comfort, and a superior standard of dental care.

Meet Dr. Karol Canales, DDS

Dr. Karol Canales, DDS, brings a wealth of knowledge and a patient-first philosophy to Pocasangre Oliva Dental. She is committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive dental solutions, from routine preventive care to advanced restorative treatments. Dr. Canales focuses on creating individualized treatment plans that address each patient's unique oral health goals.

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Payment and Insurance

We strive to make paying for your dental care simple and stress-free. Our team is happy to explain your payment options and help you verify your insurance coverage. Please call or visit our office in Clovis to learn more about the plans we accept and the payment methods we offer.