Post and Core

Visit Video : Post & Core For Damaged Teeth

What is a “Core”

sometimes have large portions missing due to decay, fracture, the loss of a filling and, in the case of root canal treatment, the creation of an access cavity

Core placement refers to a procedure where a dentist replaces missing tooth structure in preparation for making a new dental crown. Replacing these missing portions creates the optimal foundation for the new restoration.

A core can be made out of any type of permanent dental restorative. In most cases it's either dental amalgam (metal filling material) or else dental composite (tooth bonding).

A core replaces lost tooth structure that's needed for crown stability.

Why are dental cores needed?

Here's the reason why a core is placed. - A great deal of a crown's stability depends on the amount of tooth structure that extends into its interior. If very little tooth structure occupies this space, the crown will be easily dislodged, especially by forces directed at its side.

By "building up" the tooth first with a core (rebuilding the tooth so it is closer to its original dimensions), the dentist can greatly increase the stability of the crown, and therefore maximize its long-term chances for success

What is a "post?

Dental post is used to help to anchor the core to the tooth.

Types of Post

Both are available in various size. Dentist may choose according to the requirement.

• Metal post
• Fibre post

How does a dentist place a dental post and/ or core?

When placing just a core alone, the dentist will apply dental restorative (meaning filling material, such as dental amalgam or bonding) to the tooth, not unlike when a regular filling is placed. As a part of the process, they may also screw minute "pins" into the tooth. When the restorative is packed around them, they help to anchor the core in place.

The goal is to place enough dental restorative that, once the tooth has been shaped for the crown, the resulting tooth/core combination is the same size and shape that it would have been if no previous tooth structure loss had occurred.

• Placing a dental core

When placing a post and core, the dentist will first use their drill to create a "post space." This space will lie in alignment with one of the root canals that was filled during the sealing portion of the tooth's endodontic treatment.

Then, a post, specifically sized (or fabricated) to match the post space, is cemented or bonded into place.

Traditionally, dental posts have been made out of metal (stainless steel, titanium, cast metal). In today's marketplace, a dentist may choose between metal and carbon-fiber posts.

Once the post has been secured, a dental core (see above) is placed over and around the post's exposed end. This way the dental core is anchored both by the post and surrounding tooth structure.

• Placing a post and core

completing the tooth’s reconstruction

once the core, or post and core, has been completed, a dental crown can be fabricated and placed.