A post in the root canal strengthens a severely damaged tooth before a tooth build-up is made. It is placed in teeth with severely damaged or missing crowns and well-filled root canals.
When is a post placed?
A post is placed in teeth with severely damaged or missing crowns and well-filled root canals. There must be no:
- pathological changes – granulomas and cysts;
- pain;
- deep destruction below the gum.
How is the post chosen?
Before a post is placed, an X-ray of the tooth is always taken. On the basis of what it shows, the length and type of the post and the subsequent restoration are chosen.
Posts can be made of metal alloy, gold or glass fibre. The choice is made by the dentist, taking into account the patient’s financial means as well.
How is a metal post placed?
For metal posts the procedure is as follows:
- A post space is drilled in the root of the tooth with suitable drills of a certain thickness and length, matched to the type of post.
- It is checked whether the post fits correctly and deeply enough.
- If everything is in order, the post is cemented into the tooth.
- After the cement has set, a tooth build-up is made from a suitable material (photopolymer, amalgam).
If the tooth has one or two walls intact, it can be finished with a photopolymer filling. However, to restore its anatomical integrity and chewing function, a crown must be made.
How is a glass-fibre post placed?
For glass-fibre posts the procedure is similar:
- The post space is drilled in the same way.
- The required length is cut from the fibre post and it is tried in the prepared canal of the tooth.
- The post is bonded in place with special high-strength dual-cure cements.
- After bonding, a tooth build-up is made from photopolymer or glass ionomer cement.
This type of post is more durable, because its modulus of elasticity is similar to that of the tooth, so the chance of it breaking or coming loose is minimal.
After the chosen post has been placed in the root canal, a tooth build-up is made.
How much does it cost?
A tooth build-up with a post and composite costs 80 – 100 €. All prices are in the Price list.
Frequently asked questions
When is a post placed in the root canal?
In teeth with severely damaged or missing crowns and well-filled root canals. There must be no pathological changes (granulomas, cysts), pain or deep destruction below the gum.
What is done before a post is placed?
An X-ray of the tooth is always taken. On the basis of what it shows, the length and type of the post and the subsequent restoration are chosen.
What are posts made of?
Metal alloy, gold or glass fibre. The choice is made by the dentist, taking into account the patient’s financial means as well.
Why are glass-fibre posts more durable?
Their modulus of elasticity is similar to that of the tooth, so the chance of them breaking or coming loose is minimal.
Is a filling alone enough after the post?
If the tooth has one or two walls intact, it can be finished with a photopolymer filling, but a crown is needed to restore its anatomical integrity and chewing function.