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All About the Post and Core: A Solution to Save Your Damaged Teeth
When a tooth is severely damaged by decay or trauma, but its root is still healthy, a dentist's primary goal is to save it. A post and core is a common and highly effective restorative procedure that allows a dentist to rebuild a compromised tooth so it can support a new crown, avoiding the need for extraction.
But what exactly does this technique involve, what are the steps, and how much does it cost? Discover all the answers in this complete guide.
What Is a Dental Post and Core?
A post and core is a dental restoration used to rebuild a tooth that has had a root canal and has lost a significant amount of its natural structure. It is composed of two parts:
- The post is a small rod, typically made of metal (like titanium or stainless steel) or a tooth-colored material (like fiberglass or zirconia), that is inserted and cemented into one of the empty root canals of the tooth. Its purpose is to anchor the new restoration.
- The core is a buildup of material that replaces the missing coronal tooth structure. It is built on top of the post and provides a solid foundation for the final prosthetic crown, which will cover the entire tooth.
This procedure is only possible on teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, as the space previously occupied by the nerve is needed to place the post.
When is a Post and Core Necessary?
A post and core is indicated when more than half of the tooth's natural crown structure is missing. Common situations include:
- A large, deep cavity that has destroyed much of the tooth.
- A significant fracture from trauma.
- The need to replace a large, old filling that has failed.
The key requirement is a healthy, strong root. If the root is fractured or too short, an extraction followed by a dental implant will likely be the recommended course of action.
The Placement Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Placing a post, core, and crown typically requires two to three appointments:
- Root Canal Treatment: First, the tooth must have a completed root canal to remove the nerve and disinfect the inside of the tooth.
- Post Space Preparation: The dentist will use a small drill to create a space within the root canal filling to the precise length and width needed for the post.
- Post Placement and Core Buildup: The post is cemented into the prepared canal. Then, a core material (usually a composite resin) is built up around the post to recreate the tooth's shape.
- Crown Preparation and Impression: The newly built core is shaped to prepare it for the final crown. An impression is taken and sent to a dental lab. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.
- Final Crown Cementation: About two weeks later, the final, custom-made crown is tried in, adjusted, and permanently cemented onto the core buildup.
Understanding the Cost and Insurance Coverage in 2025
The fees for a post and core are separate from the cost of the root canal and the final crown. On average, you can expect:
- Post and Core: Between $250 and $500.
- Dental Crown: Between $800 and $2,500, depending on the material.
The total cost for the entire restoration (post, core, and crown) can therefore range from $1,050 to over $3,000. Fortunately, both the post and core and the crown are considered "major" restorative services and are typically covered by dental insurance at around 50% after your deductible is met, up to your plan's annual maximum.
Potential Risks and Complications
A post and core is a reliable procedure with a high success rate. However, potential complications, though rare, can include:
- Post Debonding: The post can sometimes become loose, requiring re-cementation.
- Root Fracture: A significant trauma can cause the root to fracture around the post. In this case, extraction is usually unavoidable.
- Secondary Infection: If a new cavity forms and allows bacteria to reach the root, the root canal may need to be retreated.
Post and Core vs. Dental Implant: What's the Difference?
While both are solutions for missing tooth structure, they are fundamentally different:
- A post and core saves and utilizes your natural tooth root.
- A dental implant is an artificial root that is placed in the jawbone after the natural tooth has been extracted.
Dentists will always prioritize saving a natural tooth with a post and core if the root is healthy. An implant is the preferred solution only when the natural root is unsalvageable.
Conclusion: A Reliable Way to Rebuild and Restore
Restoring a severely damaged, root canal-treated tooth with a post and core is an excellent and common alternative to extraction. This aesthetic and functional reconstruction allows you to keep your natural root, which is always the primary goal in modern dentistry. When protected by a well-made crown, a tooth with a post and core can provide many years of reliable function.
FAQ: Your Top Questions About Post and Core Buildups
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a tooth restored with a post, core, and crown can last for many years, often 15 years or more. Its longevity depends on the health of the underlying root and surrounding bone.
No. The procedure is performed on a tooth that has already had a root canal, meaning the nerve has been removed. Therefore, the tooth has no feeling, and the procedure is painless.
There are two main categories: prefabricated posts (often made of metal or fiberglass) and custom-cast posts (made of metal, created in a lab from an impression of the canal). Fiberglass posts are popular today because their flexibility is similar to that of a natural tooth, which can reduce the risk of root fracture, and their tooth color is more aesthetic under all-ceramic crowns.