Post and core
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Post and core
A post and core is a prosthetic device that is utilized when there is inadequate tooth structure remaining to support a traditional restoration or an artificial crown.
The post
The post is a small rod, usually metal, that is inserted into the root space of the tooth and protrudes from the root a couple of millimetres. The post is then used to hold the core or a filling in place.
Because the post is inserted into the root canal, a post and core can only be made for a tooth that has had root canal treatment.
The core
The core replaces missing tooth structure in preparation for making a new dental crown. Normally, a dental core can be directly built up from composite materials without a post to hold it in place.
However, a dental post can be used to help to anchor the core to the tooth. In this case, the core is generally made off metal alloys and the device is called post and core.
The core is then utilized to hold a dental crown in place. The crown can be a single unit crown or a retainer crown for a dental bridge.