Core Buildup / Post & Core

Everything you need to know about Post and Core Buildups

When there is not enough tooth structure to support a permanent restoration such as a crown or a bridge, your Dentist may recommend one of two treatments: Either a Post and Core or simply a Core Buildup. The two procedures are very similar and they are used to literally build up the structure of the tooth. These procedures are

Post and Core
(Usually Done After Root Canal)

A post and core is dental restoration that is used when there is inadequate tooth structure remaining to support a traditional restoration. A small rod, usually metal, is inserted into the root space (root canal) of the tooth and protrudes from the root a couple of millimeters. This rod is referred to as a post. The post is then used to hold a filling, or core, in place. Without this post there would not have been enough tooth structure remaining to hold the filling required. Most often, this procedure is used after a tooth has had a root canal and is in need of a crown.

Core Buildup
(When a Tooth Does Not Need a Post)

A Core Buildup is used when a fracture or decay causes a portion of a tooth to break off, and in some cases, there’s simply not enough tooth left to place a crown. A Core Buildup will replace the missing portion and save the tooth by building it up with Core Buildup Resin materials. Once the tooth is built up, we can place a crown to preserve the tooth for years to come. Sometimes a Core Buildup is necessary after Root Canal Treatment has been done on a tooth. Once again this procedure is required to build up the material of the tooth so that a crown can be placed.

• post materials are titanium/gold/glass fibre
• core materials are ceramic or composite resin/zirconium resin

In the long run, both of these procedures will yield the same result. They are both used to ‘Build-Up” a tooth structure so that your Dentist can utilize your remaining tooth to fabricate a more permanent solution such as a crown or a bridge. Once the procedure is concluded and a crown is cemented over the tooth structure, you will not be able to see the post nor the core buildup material used. The material that is used by the Dentist for this procedure is carefully designed to match up in color to your own tooth structure, it will not even be seen through the crown.

What to expect during the procedure

Many patients have a fear of the dentist because they instantly assume “pain” when thinking about dentistry. In reality, the assumed pain is more mental than physical.

Prior to getting either a post and Core or just a Core Buildup, our staff will numb the general area with a topical anesthetic.

Injection or anaesthesia is not given for this procedure. Typically, pain medication is not required, but if for any reason the patient remains in pain hours after the procedure, we advise for you to contact the office as soon as possible to speak with your Dentist.

After post and core buildup is carried out we recommend a dental crown to be placed. Crown material can be metal (cobalt chromium or gold), porcelain fused to metal (most commonly used), zirconium (made by CAD/CAM with no metal)

Most aesthetic is the Zirconium crowns.