7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
What is a Post and Core
If a large enough portion of a tooth is missing, whether because of a cavity, the loss of a filling, or the access cavity from root canal work, a restorative dentist can’t simply place a crown on the tooth, because it won’t be stable enough. This is where a core comes in, replacing the missing tooth structure and providing support for the new crown. Sometimes the core is enough, but if not, a post may be added to anchor the core to the tooth.
Material Matters With Core and Post Treatment
The materials the core and particularly the post are made of have a major impact on whether or not the tooth will remain stable. Clinical evidence shows that metal posts don’t do much to stabilize the tooth and may lead to fractures, whereas complications from fiber-reinforced posts are rare because the material distributes the stress to the surrounding tissues in a similar way to natural dentin.
At Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale, Dr. Brittain carefully evaluates each patient's situation before recommending a post and core material. Factors such as the amount of remaining tooth structure, the location of the tooth, and the forces it will need to withstand all play a role in determining the best approach.
What to Expect During Post and Core Treatment
If Dr. Brittain has recommended a post and core procedure, knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease. The process is straightforward and is typically completed in one to two appointments:
- Preparation — The root canal space is cleaned and shaped to accommodate the post, leaving enough gum structure to support the core material.
- Post Placement — The fiber-reinforced post is bonded securely into the root canal, anchoring everything that will be built on top of it.
- Core Buildup — Composite resin is used to rebuild the missing tooth structure around the post, forming a solid base that mimics the shape of a natural tooth.
- Crown Placement — Once the core has set and the tooth is properly shaped, a custom crown is placed over the top to restore full function and appearance.
- Recovery — Most patients experience little to no discomfort after the procedure and are able to return to normal activity the same day.
Where to Get Posts and Cores in Scottsdale, Arizona
For reliable post and core treatment that will keep your tooth in good shape, there’s no place better than Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale! Give us a call at 480-719-6994 or send us an email to schedule an appointment so that we can discuss the treatment that will be best for your tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a post and core in dentistry?
A post and core is a restorative procedure used to rebuild a tooth after a root canal by placing a post inside the root and a core structure to support a dental crown.When is a post and core needed?
It is recommended when a tooth has lost a significant amount of structure and cannot support a crown on its own.What materials are used for post and core restorations?
Posts are typically made of metal or fiber-reinforced materials, while the core is built using composite resin or similar durable substances.Is the post and core procedure painful?
No, the procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, making it comfortable with minimal discomfort.How long does a post and core last?
With proper care and a well-fitted crown, a post and core restoration can last many years, often over a decade.