Post and Core Buildup

This process is appropriate for patients with:

• decayed tooth that is not strong enough to support a crown alone.
• tooth being treated with root canal, which has left the tooth structure more vulnerable.
• cracked or fractured tooth without enough healthy enamel remaining.
• record of periodic restorations that have seriously compromised the integrity of the tooth.

Post and core build-up procedures can be categorized based on the materials and techniques applied:

• Pre-manufactured Posts – Metal, fiber-reinforced composite, or zirconia, available in a variety of sizes.
• Custom Cast Posts – Custom designed, molded to the specific shape of the tooth’s root canal
• Direct Core Build-Up – Composite resin or glass ionomer cement is used with no post if sufficient tooth structure remains.
• Indirect Core Build-Up – A core structure created in the lab and cemented to the tooth.

• Evaluation & Preparation – The affected tooth is evaluated, and X-rays are taken to evaluate its suitability for post and core build-up.
• Root Canal Treatment (if not already done) – Cleaning, disinfection, and sealing of the tooth.
• Post Placement – A post is placed in the root canal with dental cement for stability.
• Core Build-Up – A core material is placed around the post to build up the missing tooth structure.
• Shaping & Crown Placement – The tooth is shaped in order to receive a dental crown, which will be placed in a later appointment.

• Reestablishes a normal function and appearance to the damaged tooth.
• Builds up the tooth to help place a crown.
• Stops additional structure damage as well as tooth loss
• Enhances chewing and speech efficiency.
• Offers a permanent dental restoration.

• Less expensive than removing the tooth and replacing it with implants or the bridge.
• It aids in the preservation of natural tooth rather than getting it replaced completely.
• Improves retention and stability of crowns.
• Requires advanced materials which can show a fertile appearance and flexibility.

• Inadequate bonding cause post dislodgement.
• OveruseIf a lot of strength is used, the root can crack.
• If the root canal treatments are incomplete, there may be the possibility of secondary infection.
• Soreness or discomfort post procedure.

• Excessive drilling needed, which may weaken the tooth.
• There is a small risk of post loosening with time.
• Failure occurs if the remaining tooth structure is too weak.

• Dental Crowns Without Posts – Suitable if enough healthy tooth remains.
• Dental Implants – Permanent, effective but costlier.
• Fixed Bridges – When several neighbouring teeth need to be restored.
• Partial Dentures – A removable solution, not as secure as implants or bridges.

• Brush twice daily and floss for good oral hygiene.
• Eat soft food that will not displace the post.
• Have routine dental visits to come to terms with it.
• If you tend to grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard.
• If you experience pain related to or movement of the restoration, immediately report this to your dentist.