Dental Crowns in Clovis, CA | Pocasangre Oliva Dental

When a tooth is damaged, cracked, or weakened, it needs more than a simple filling to restore its strength and function. At Pocasangre Oliva Dental, we design high-quality, natural-looking dental crowns that protect your teeth and help you chew and speak with confidence. Our experienced team ensures every crown is custom-made for a perfect, comfortable fit.

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What are Dental Crowns and How They Work

A dental crown is a custom-fitted, tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a damaged tooth. It is designed to fully cover the tooth, restoring its original shape, size, strength, and appearance. Once cemented into place, the crown encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Think of a crown as a protective shield. It can be recommended for several reasons:

• To protect a weak tooth: A crown can hold together parts of a cracked tooth and prevent it from breaking further.
• To restore a broken or severely worn tooth: It rebuilds the structure of the tooth so you can chew properly.
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling: When there isn't much natural tooth left, a crown provides the necessary strength.
• To improve appearance: Crowns can cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, creating a more uniform smile.

Crafted from durable materials such as porcelain or ceramic, crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your other teeth. With proper care, a well-made crown can protect your tooth and enhance your smile for many years.

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Common Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown

A dental crown is a versatile solution for a variety of dental issues. Your dentist may recommend a crown in the following situations:

• After a Root Canal: A tooth becomes brittle and more prone to fracture after a root canal treatment. A crown provides essential protection and support.
• To Repair a Broken or Cracked Tooth: Crowns restore the shape and strength of a damaged tooth, preventing the crack from spreading.
• To Address Severe Decay: When a cavity is too large for a standard filling, a crown is used to cover and seal the tooth.
• To Correct Severe Tooth Wear: If you grind your teeth, the enamel can wear down significantly. A crown can restore the tooth to its proper height and prevent further damage.
• To Hold a Dental Bridge in Place: Crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to a gap to anchor a dental bridge securely.
• To Cover a Dental Implant: A crown is the final step in the dental implant process, serving as the replacement tooth that attaches to the implant post.

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Types of Dental Crowns and Their Benefits

Dental crowns can be made from several different materials. The best choice for you will depend on the location of the tooth, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget.

Each type has its own benefits:

• All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic: These crowns provide the best natural color match and are an excellent choice for front teeth. They are also a good option for patients with metal allergies.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): This type combines the strength of a metal structure with the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain exterior. PFM crowns are very durable and can be used for either front or back teeth.
• Metal Alloys: Crowns made from gold, palladium, or other alloys are incredibly strong and resistant to wear. Because of their metallic color, they are most often used for out-of-sight molars.
• Zirconia: This modern, strong ceramic material is highly durable and biocompatible. Zirconia crowns can be shaded to match your teeth and are becoming a popular choice for their strength and natural appearance.

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The Step-by-Step Process of Getting a Dental Crown

Getting a dental crown is typically a two-visit procedure.

First Visit: Examination and Preparation:

The first step is to examine the tooth and prepare it for the crown. This involves removing any decay and shaping the tooth so the crown will fit securely. An impression or digital scan is then taken to create a precise model for your custom crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while a dental lab fabricates your permanent crown.

Second Visit: Placing the Permanent Crown:

When you return for your second visit, the temporary crown is removed. The new, permanent crown is then carefully checked for fit, color, and bite. Once any necessary adjustments are made, it is permanently bonded to your tooth with a strong dental cement. You will leave the office with a fully restored tooth that looks, feels, and functions naturally.

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Modern Technology for Precise Dental Crowns

Advanced dental technology has revolutionized the way crowns are made, resulting in better fits, greater comfort, and more durable outcomes.

• Digital Impressions: Mess-free digital scanners capture precise 3D images of your mouth, ensuring your crown is created with exceptional accuracy.
• CAD/CAM Technology: Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing systems use these digital scans to design and mill a perfect-fitting crown, often reducing the waiting time.
• Stronger Materials: Innovations in dental ceramics and zirconia have led to crowns that are stronger and more chip-resistant than ever before.

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Caring for Your Dental Crowns for Long-Term Protection

To ensure your dental crown lasts for many years, practice good oral hygiene. While the crown itself cannot decay, the underlying tooth is still vulnerable.

• Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying special attention to the area where the crown meets the gum.
• Avoid chewing on hard foods, ice, or other hard objects that could damage your crown.
• If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a night guard to protect your crown and your natural teeth.
• Maintain regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.

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Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Victoria Pocasangre, DDS

With a passion for creating healthy, beautiful smiles, Dr. Victoria Pocasangre, DDS, has been a licensed dentist in California since 2006. She graduated from Universidad Evangelica in El Salvador in 1989 and has over 20 years of experience, demonstrating a gentle and skilled hand in caring for both children and adults. Dr. Pocasangre is highly experienced in pediatric care, providing treatment under general anesthesia at The Community Outpatient Surgery Center of Fresno since 2007, and is also certified in nitrous oxide sedation for all ages. In 2010, she founded Pocasangre Oliva Dental with a core mission to treat every patient with respect, ensure their comfort, and deliver excellent dental care.

Meet Dr. Karol Canales, DDS

Dr. Karol Canales, DDS, is an integral part of the Pocasangre Oliva Dental team, known for her meticulous approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She is passionate about helping patients achieve optimal oral health through personalized care plans. Dr. Canales is proficient in a wide range of dental procedures, always prioritizing patient comfort and lasting results.

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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 to learn more about the plans we accept and the payment methods we offer.