In dentistry, a post and core is a restorative procedure used to rebuild and strengthen a tooth that has been extensively damaged or decayed, particularly after a root canal treatment.
Here’s how it works:
- Post: This is a small metal or fiber rod that is inserted into the root canal space of a tooth after the nerve has been removed (root canal treatment). The post provides additional support and retention for the final restoration (usually a crown), helping the tooth to function properly and resist further damage.
- Core: After the post is placed, a filling material is added around the post to rebuild the structure of the tooth. This core helps to provide a strong base to hold the crown in place, and it restores the tooth’s function and appearance.
When is a post and core needed?
- When a tooth is severely weakened due to decay or trauma.
- After a root canal procedure, where most of the tooth structure has been removed, leaving the remaining tooth fragile.
- When the tooth requires a crown for further protection.
The post can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, titanium, or fiber (which blends with the tooth color), while the core is typically made from materials like composite resin or amalgam.
This procedure helps avoid extraction by providing structural integrity, allowing the tooth to support a crown for long-term function.
