Post placement

Post placement in Gallant dental clinic

Earlier, if a patient’s tooth was damaged more than 80%, this was an indication for its removal. Instead, restoring an aesthetic smile was only possible through implantation or using a removable prosthesis. However, nowadays other techniques are used - post placement in the tooth with its subsequent restoration. This is exactly the option used in practice by specialists of our dental clinic Gallant. A post for a tooth is a supporting structure that partially secures the root and prevents it from breaking down. At the same time, it is used as a base for filling or installing a crown or bridge.

What is a dental post and why is it needed

Posts for teeth are special structures that are installed into the root to restore its aesthetic appearance and ensure normal functioning. They serve as a support for further build-up of the crown part. It is a modern alternative to conventional prosthetics or implantation. And for the patient the price of post placement is more affordable than implant placement.

Main advantages of post placement:

• suitable for very damaged teeth (up to 80%);
• can be used both for further build-up with filling material and for installing a prosthesis;
• affordable price;
• during the procedure the root is preserved, tooth removal is not necessary.

The procedure is rather complex to perform, however experienced specialists of our Gallant dental clinic have been performing such treatment for several years. The result is excellent.

Types of posts: materials and fixation options

Post placement for teeth can be performed using different materials. Most commonly used are:

1. Metallic. The most affordable, reliable, and durable.
2. Fiber glass. Their advantage is aesthetics because the color of the structure is as close as possible to enamel. Mostly used for restoration of front teeth.
3. Carbon fiber. A modernized version of fiber glass. They are more reliable, but the cost of post placement in this case is higher.
4. Ceramic. Among the best, can be used when a significant part of the tooth is damaged.

Which option for post placement will be optimal is decided by the doctor during the patient’s examination and the development of an individual treatment plan. The type of structure depends on the zone where the placement is performed, how damaged the root is, the patient’s age, and other factors.

Fixation of posts is carried out in two ways: active and passive. In the first case, the structure has a special thread that screws the post into the root. In the second case, cement is used. The optimal option is also individually selected by the doctor depending on the clinical case of the patient.

Indications and contraindications for post placement

Indications for post placement into the tooth root:

• mechanical trauma of the crown part of the tooth;
• decay of a significant part of the tooth;
• weakening of the tooth after therapeutic treatment;
• preparation of teeth for further prosthetics (to strengthen the base).

Contraindications for the procedure are: granulomas in the gum area, dental caries, blood diseases, acute inflammation of the oral cavity.

Before post placement, sanitation is mandatory, i.e., professional cleaning, removal of dental calculus, treatment of caries. Only in this case can it be guaranteed that the post will last long and the risk of complications will be minimal.

Preparation for the procedure and diagnostics

The first stage is patient examination and diagnostics. At this stage, an X-ray and CT scan may be prescribed for more accurate diagnosis and to develop the optimal treatment plan. Next, caries removal (cavities filling), dental calculus removal, and canal treatment are performed.

Then selection and placement of the post is performed. For this, the tooth canal is expanded, the structure is integrated and fixed. All manipulations are performed using anesthesia, so the patient does not experience discomfort.

Tooth build-up after post placement

After post placement, tooth build-up is performed, forming the anatomical crown part and polishing it. If necessary, a fixed prosthesis (crown) is installed. Aesthetically the tooth will be restored, and it will be able to withstand chewing loads. Usually, the entire treatment process requires 1 or 2 doctor visits depending on the individual clinical picture and the need for preparation for post placement.

Postoperative care and rehabilitation

Symptoms of mild discomfort may be observed for 48 hours after the procedure. During this time it is necessary to avoid consuming hard food. Instead, preference should be given to soft, pureed dishes. At the same time, it is necessary to carefully maintain oral hygiene. The doctor will provide additional recommendations after the procedure. In some cases, a dental rinse and anti-swelling medication may be needed.

In the following weeks, control examinations by the doctor are necessary. The doctor will monitor the healing process to minimise all possible complications. The result mostly depends on the doctor’s experience and professionalism. Our Gallant clinic provides appropriate guarantees for all dental procedures.

How much do posts cost and how long do they last

What is the price for post placement? It depends on many factors, namely: what material is used, what preparatory procedures the patient needs, which teeth are restored (front, chewing). So the cost is specified after the examination.

The lifespan of the structure ranges from 5 to 20 years. It depends on which tooth was restored and what type of post was used. Further treatment and possibly installation of a fixed prosthesis are performed.

Post placement is a modern alternative to implantation. The main advantage of the procedure is that the root can be preserved, no need to remove the tooth. Our Gallant clinic has been performing such treatment for several years. We have enough experience and use only the highest quality modern materials for prosthetics.