Post and Core
What is a post,
what is it made of, and why do I need one? 
It can
only be placed in a tooth that has had endodontic therapy (
root canal ). During root canal therapy, the space previously
occupied by the nerve is filled with a sterile plastic
material call gutta-percha.
In
fabricating your post, we remove some of this plastic material
making sure we leave the last two to three millimeters to seal
the end of the root. This space that is fabricated is
necessary in order to anchor the post within the root of the
tooth.
There
are different types of posts. The type that is chosen for you
will depend upon a number of factors. The post can either be
1) prefabricated or 2) it can be cast at the dental
laboratory. In either case, the result of anchorage for a
crown (or cap) is the same.
The part
of the post that shows is called the core. It is upon this
core that we can anchor a crown (or cap). The post is cemented
permanently into your tooth usually separate from the crown.
The crown (or cap) is then ready to be placed.
Although
posts are usually recommended when there is minimal support
for a crown (or cap), they are not always necessary. The use of a post
will be determined on an individual basis based upon support
and structural requirements.
If you have any additional questions regarding this or any
other aspect of your dental treatment, please call the office.
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