Dental post

Dental Post

A dental post is a type of dental restoration used to secure a crown in the mouth. It is typically used when there is not enough tooth structure remaining to hold a traditional crown. The post is inserted into the root canal of the tooth and serves as an anchor for the crown.

History

The use of dental posts dates back to the early 20th century. The first dental posts were made of gold and were custom-made for each patient. Today, dental posts are typically made of titanium or fiber-reinforced composite, which are both strong and biocompatible.

Types of Dental Posts

There are two main types of dental posts: prefabricated and cast post and cores.

Prefabricated posts are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used immediately. They are typically made of metal or fiber-reinforced composite.

Cast post and cores are custom-made for each patient. They are typically made of gold or other precious metals.

Procedure

The procedure for placing a dental post involves several steps. First, the dentist will remove any remaining tooth structure and clean the root canal. Then, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and send it to a dental laboratory, where the post will be made. Once the post is ready, the dentist will cement it into the root canal and attach the crown.

Risks and Complications

As with any dental procedure, there are risks and complications associated with dental posts. These may include infection, damage to the tooth or surrounding tissues, and failure of the post or crown. However, with proper care and maintenance, dental posts can last for many years.

See Also

• Dental restoration
• Crown (dentistry)
• Root canal