How dental crowns can protect and strengthen a natural tooth 

When teeth are weakened or damaged, a dental crown may be recommended by your dentist to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. At Family Dental Center in Manteca, California, Drs. Mircea Mitu and George D’Louhy will educate patients on situations that can arise that may benefit from the fabrication and the placement of a dental crown. 

What are dental crowns? 

A dental crown, also known as a “porcelain tooth cap,” is a tooth-shaped restoration placed over a natural tooth to protect and strengthen it. Dental crowns can be used to restore a broken or severely weakened tooth, cover a dental implant, or correct a cosmetic flaw. In most situations, dental crowns are made of either ceramic or porcelain and are matched to the color of your natural teeth. That ensures that the restoration blends in with the rest of the smile and doesn’t look like an obvious dental restoration. The final dental crown created by the dental laboratory will be bonded on top of the teeth with dental adhesive.

When might I need a dental crown? 

Dental crowns are an effective way to restore teeth that have broken or severely weakened due to cavities, fractures, infections, or previous dental procedures. If a tooth has lost a significant amount of enamel due to decay or damage from chipping or cracking, your dentist may recommend placing a crown over it. 

What are the benefits of dental crowns?

  • Strength and durability. The porcelain used for dental crowns is stain-resistant and highly resistant to cracks and chips. That makes it more robust than natural enamel and less likely to break down over time.
  • Natural appearance. Crowns are made to match the patient’s remaining teeth for seamless integration into the smile.
  • Restored function. Patients with severely damaged teeth will find that the dental crown allows them to eat and speak as they normally would.
  • Affordability. Dental crowns are relatively affordable and are often covered partly or entirely by a patient’s dental insurance benefits. 

How do I find out if I need a dental crown? 

Drs. Mircea Mitu and George D’Louhy of Family Dental Center in Manteca, CA, will familiarize patients with the benefits of the dental crown and when it might be necessary to have one placed. Our team is conveniently located at 521 East Center Street and is open to new and returning patients and families who call (209) 420-1205 for appointments.

Dr. Mircea Mitu

Mircea Mitu DDS, FICOI

Dr. Mircea Mitu has almost three decades of dental experience, including nine years of associateship and managing clinical practices in the East Bay Area and several years of practice and academic positions in prosthodontics. Before setting up his practice, he completed hundreds of hours in postgraduate dentistry. He has attended prestigious organizations like the UCLA Center for Aesthetic Program and Misch International Implant Institute.

Dr. Mitu is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Joaquin County Dental Association and is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Dr. George D’Louhy DDS, MS

George D’Louhy DDS, MS

Dr. George D’Louhy is a respected orthodontist who has been practicing for 30 years. Dr. D’Louhy earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from St. Louis University and completed further advanced training to receive his Speciality in Orthodontics MS degree from St. Louis University School of Orthodontics.

As a specialist in Orthodontics, Dr. D’Louhy applies his three decades of experience and his expertise using Full Banded Orthodontics and other treatments to help patients achieve stunning smiles. Dr. D’Louhy is trusted for his technical skills and ability to work with patients and their parents to create beautiful, healthy smiles.