An Essential and Time-Proven Procedure
When a tooth has lost a large portion of its structure due to decay, trauma, or previous dental treatment, it may not be strong enough to support a crown on its own. In these situations, additional support inside the tooth may be needed to rebuild its foundation.
At CopperMine Dental Studio, we provide post and core treatments for patients in Sahuarita, AZ and nearby communities who need to restore strength to a weakened tooth before placing a crown. Post and core procedures have been used for many years to restore teeth that have experienced significant damage. By rebuilding the internal structure of the tooth, this treatment helps support future restorations such as dental crowns.
The goal of a post and core is to strengthen the tooth from the inside while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
What is a Post and Core
If a large enough portion of a tooth is missing, whether because of a cavity, the loss of a filling, or the access cavity from root canal work, a restorative dentist can’t simply place a crown on the tooth, because it won’t be stable enough.
This is where a core comes in, replacing the missing tooth structure and providing support for the new crown. Sometimes the core is enough, but if not, a post may be added to anchor the core to the tooth. The post is placed inside the root canal space of the tooth to provide additional stability. The core material is then built around the post to recreate the natural shape of the tooth so that a crown can be placed securely.
Material Matters With Core And Post Treatment
The materials the core and particularly the post are made of have a major impact on whether or not the tooth will remain stable.
Clinical evidence shows that metal posts don’t do much to stabilize the tooth and may lead to fractures, whereas complications from fiber-reinforced posts are rare because the material distributes the stress to the surrounding tissues in a similar way to natural dentin.
Fiber posts are designed to mimic the flexibility of natural tooth structure, which helps reduce the risk of excessive stress on the tooth.
Benefits of Post and Core Treatment
Post and core procedures provide several advantages when restoring severely damaged teeth.
- Strengthens Weakened Teeth: The procedure rebuilds the internal structure of the tooth.
- Supports Dental Crowns: It creates a stable base so that a crown can function properly.
- Preserves Natural Teeth: Instead of removing the tooth, post and core treatment helps restore it.
- Restores Function: Once completed, the tooth can often function normally again.
Where to Get Posts and Cores in Sahuarita, Arizona
For reliable post and core treatment that will keep your tooth in good shape, there’s no place better than CopperMine Dental Studio.
Our dental team proudly welcomes patients from Sahuarita, AZ, and nearby communities who need restorative dental care to strengthen damaged teeth. Give us a call at 520-838-0600 or send us an email to schedule an appointment so that we can discuss the treatment that will be best for your tooth.
FAQs About Post and Core Treatment
Is post and core treatment the same as a crown?
No. A post and core procedure rebuilds the internal structure of a damaged tooth, while a crown is placed over the tooth afterward to restore its appearance and function.How long does a post and core procedure take?
The procedure may be completed in one or more visits depending on the condition of the tooth and whether additional treatments are required.Are fiber posts better than metal posts?
Fiber posts are often preferred because they distribute pressure in a way that is similar to natural tooth structure, which may reduce the risk of fractures.Can a tooth with a post and core last many years?
With proper care and regular dental visits, a restored tooth can function for many years.What happens if a damaged tooth is not treated?
A weakened tooth may continue to deteriorate or fracture further. Restorative treatment helps stabilize the tooth and prevent additional complications.