Posts

Post and Core

What is a post, what is it made of, and why do I need one? Theseare questions that are very often asked about a procedure thatis required in order to rebuild the proper support for a cap orcrown. Let me take a moment to explain/images/images

First of all, a post is a metallic structure that is placedwithin the body of the root of a tooth that has had previous rootcanal therapy.
It can only be placed in a tooth that has had endodontictherapy ( root canal ) since once the dentist enters the nerve,the nerve dies. Root canal therapy prevents further infectionand discomfort. During root canal therapy, the space previouslyoccupied by the nerve is filled with a sterile plastic materialcall gutta-percha.
In fabricating your post, we remove some of this plastic materialmaking sure we leave the last two to three millimeters to sealthe end of the root. This space that is fabricated is necessaryin order to anchor the post within the root of the tooth.

There are different types of posts. The type that is chosen foryou will depend upon a number of factors. The post can eitherbe 1) prefabricated or 2) it can be cast at the dental laboratory.In either case, the result of anchorage for a crown is the same.
The part of the post that shows is called the core. Itis upon this core that we can anchor a cap or crown. The postis cemented permanently into your tooth usually separatefrom the crown. The crown ( or cap ) is then ready to be placed.
Although posts are usually recommended when there is minimal supportfor a crown, they are not always necessary. The use of a postwill be determined on an individual basis based upon support andstructural requirements.
If you have any additional questions regarding this or any otheraspect of your dental treatment, ask your dentist.