Post and Core
A post and core is a dental restoration technique used to rebuild a tooth that has undergone significant damage or decay. This procedure is typically performed on a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy.
What is Post and Core?
A post and core restoration replaces the missing tooth structure and provides support, stability, and retention for the final restoration. The procedure involves the placement of a post and a core material within the tooth. Sometimes the core alone is enough, but a post may be added to anchor the core to the tooth if necessary.
Root Canal Treatment: If the tooth has not already had a root canal, the dentist may perform one to remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the tooth’s interior.
Post Placement: After the root canal, a post is inserted into one of the canals of the tooth. The post provides support and retention for the core and the final crown.
Core Buildup: A core, often made of a durable material like composite resin or metal, is built up around the post to replace the missing structure of the tooth. This creates a solid foundation for the final restoration.
Crown Placement: Once the post and core are in place, a dental crown is typically placed over the core to protect and restore the tooth’s function and aesthetics.
Who Should Get Treatment?
Not all teeth require post and core restorations. The decision to perform one is based on the individual circumstances of each tooth. Our dentist will determine the most suitable treatment plan for optimal restoration and long-term success. The decision to perform a post and core restoration depends on factors such as:
- The extent of tooth structure loss
- Root canal-treated teeth
- Insufficient remaining tooth structure
- Previous restoration failure
Does Material Influence the Treatment?
The choice of materials for core and post treatment plays a significant role in determining the stability of the tooth. Clinical evidence suggests that metal posts have limited effectiveness in stabilizing the tooth and may even increase the risk of fractures. On the other hand, complications associated with fiber-reinforced posts are rare due to their ability to distribute stress to the surrounding tissues like natural dentin.