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What
is a post, what is it made of, and why do I need one? These
are questions that are very often asked about a procedure that
is required in order to rebuild the proper support for a cap
or crown. Let me take a moment to explain/images/images
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First
of all, a post is a metallic structure that is placed within
the body of the root
of a tooth that has had previous root canal therapy.
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It
can only be placed in a tooth that has had endodontic therapy
( root canal )since once the dentist enters the nerve, the nerve
dies. Root canal therapy prevents further infection and discomfort.
During root canal therapy, the space previously occupied by
the nerve is filled with a sterile plastic material call gutta-percha.
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In fabricating your post, we remove some of this plastic material
making sure we leave the last two to three millimeters to seal
the end of the root. This space that is fabricated is necessary
in order to anchor the post within the root of the tooth.
There are different types of posts. The type that is chosen
for you will depend upon a number of factors. The post can either
be 1) prefabricated or 2) it can be cast at the dental laboratory.
In either case, the result of anchorage for a crown is the same
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The
part of the post that shows is called the core. It is upon this
core that we can anchor a cap or crown. The post is cemented
permanently into your tooth usually separate from the crown.
The crown ( or cap ) is then ready to be placed.
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Although
posts are usually recommended when there is minimal support
for a crown, they are not always necessary. The use of a post
will be determined on an individual basis based upon support
and structural requirements.
If
you have any additional questions regarding this or any other
aspect of your dental treatment, ask your dentist.
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