Post and core

Post and Core

A cemented post in a tooth.

A post and core is a dental restoration used to sufficiently build up tooth structure for future restoration with a crown when there is not enough tooth structure remaining to support the crown. This procedure is typically performed after a root canal treatment has been completed.

Components

The post and core system consists of two main components:

Post

The post is a rod that is inserted into the root canal of a tooth. It serves to anchor the core to the tooth and provide stability for the crown. Posts can be made from various materials, including metal, fiber-reinforced composite, or ceramic. The choice of material depends on the specific clinical situation and the dentist's preference.

A screw post used in dental restoration.

Core

The core is the portion of the restoration that replaces the missing coronal tooth structure. It is built around the post and provides the necessary shape and support for the crown. The core can be made from materials such as dental amalgam, composite resin, or glass ionomer cement.

Indications

A post and core is indicated when:

• There is insufficient tooth structure remaining to retain a crown.
• The tooth has undergone root canal therapy and requires additional support for a crown.
• The tooth is structurally compromised and needs reinforcement.

Procedure

The procedure for placing a post and core involves several steps:

1. Root Canal Treatment: The tooth must first undergo root canal therapy to remove the pulp tissue and seal the canal.
2. Post Space Preparation: A portion of the root canal filling is removed to create space for the post.
3. Post Selection and Placement: The appropriate post is selected and cemented into the prepared canal space.
4. Core Build-Up: The core material is applied around the post to rebuild the tooth structure.
5. Crown Preparation: The tooth is prepared to receive a crown, which will be placed at a subsequent appointment.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Provides additional support and retention for a crown.
• Reinforces the remaining tooth structure.
• Can be used in teeth with significant loss of coronal structure.

Disadvantages

• Risk of root fracture if the post is too large or improperly placed.
• Potential for post loosening or failure over time.
• Requires removal of additional tooth structure to place the post.

Related Pages

• Crown (dentistry)
• Root canal treatment
• Dental restoration