What Is A Dental Post
In cases where a large part or even the entire tooth is missing due to injury or extensive decay, patients often think that extraction is the only solution. However, when a healthy and strong root is still present in the jaw, it is possible to restore the tooth to its original shape with the help of a dental post.
A dental post consists of a post and a core.
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The post is placed inside the root,
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while the core is located above the gum line, inside the mouth.
This method allows the missing part of the tooth to be rebuilt using different materials. The dental post is cemented inside the root, ensuring stability and firmness. Afterward, it serves as the foundation for a dental crown or bridge.
In some cases, it is also possible to place a filling directly over the dental post, if the dentist determines that a crown or bridge is not necessary.
Conditions For Placing A Dental Post
The main requirement for placing a dental post is a healthy tooth root.
To perform the procedure, the following conditions must be met:
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the root is properly filled,
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and the surrounding tissue is healthy, with no inflammation in the bone or gums.
The root must not be affected by periodontal disease or significant gum recession. Only such a root can serve as a stable base for a dental post.
Whether your tooth is suitable will be determined by a dentist based on a clinical examination and X-ray. The procedure itself is completely painless, as it is performed on a tooth without a nerve.
What Materials Are Used For A Dental Post
A dental post can be made from two main materials:
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metal,
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or fiberglass.
Regardless of the chosen material, the tooth can later be restored with a metal-ceramic or non-metal crown.
The only difference is that fiberglass dental posts are completed in a single visit, while metal posts require two appointments, a few days apart.
If the tooth will later be rebuilt only with a filling, then a fiberglass post must be used, as it bonds better with the filling material.
Can Every Tooth Receive A Dental Post
When the root is healthy, a properly made dental post can last a lifetime, functioning like a natural tooth. It is an excellent way to preserve the remaining root and give the tooth another chance before extraction.
However, if the dentist determines that the root is not strong enough, not healthy, or that the fracture occurred deep below the gum line, placing a dental post is not possible. In such cases, tooth extraction remains the only option.
After extraction, the missing tooth can be replaced with a bridge or a dental implant, depending on the situation and the patient’s preference.
