When a tooth is severely decayed, many people think extraction is the only solution. But modern dentistry gives us another option — Post and Core treatment. This technique not only saves the natural tooth but also provides a strong foundation for a crown or cap, restoring both function and aesthetics.
At 32 Sparklets Dental Implant & Root Canal Centre, Mohali, we always emphasize saving your natural teeth whenever possible — and Post and Core treatment plays a important role in that.
What is Post and Core Treatment?
A Post and Core is a dental procedure performed on teeth that have lost most of their structure due to decay, fracture, or large fillings. It involves:
- Post → a thin rod (metal or fiber) inserted into the tooth’s root canal to provide strength.
- Core → a build-up of dental material around the post, recreating the shape of the tooth so that a crown or cap can be placed on top.
This acts like a “pillar and foundation” for your new crown, ensuring long-lasting stability.
Why Do You Need Post and Core Treatment?
- To Save the Tooth – Instead of removing the tooth, a post helps strengthen it after root canal treatment and helps you to avoid a dental implant.
- To Provide Strength & Support – The post prevents the tooth from breaking under biting pressure in case we are giving it in Molars and Pre-Molars.
- To Retain a Crown – Without adequate tooth structure, a crown or cap won’t stay in place. Post and Core creates the required support for the cap to stay.
- To Improve Aesthetics & Function – It restores your ability to chew and smile confidently.
Step-by-Step: The Post and Core Procedure
Here’s how the treatment is typically performed:
- Anesthesia – The tooth and surrounding area are numbed to perform Root Canal treatment of the same tooth (if not done already).
- Root Canal Preparation – The root canal is then cleaned and shaped to receive the post.
- Post Placement – A prefabricated or custom-made post is inserted into the root canal, which was cleaned and prepared by us earlier.
- Core Build-Up – A durable material like composite filling material is layered around the post, forming the tooth structure.
- Crown Preparation – Once the composite filling is done, the tooth is prepared for a dental crown.
- Crown Placement – A dental crown is placed on top, restoring the tooth’s appearance and function.
Caring for Your Tooth After Post and Core
After treatment, proper care ensures your restored tooth lasts many years:
- Brush two times daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss carefully around the crown to remove and stuck food particle.
- Avoid chewing hard and sticky objects (like ice, pens, chewing gums or very hard foods) with the treated tooth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning.
Post and Core vs. Extraction and Implant
Patients often ask: “Should I just get the tooth removed and go for an implant instead?”
👉 The answer: If the root is healthy, saving the tooth with Post and Core + Crown is always the first choice.
- Root Canal + Post and Core is usually less costly, less invasive, and preserves your natural tooth.
- Dental Implants are great for missing teeth, but we recommend them only when a tooth truly cannot be saved.
Here is a very great article by American Association of Endodontists on Root Canal treatment Vs Extraction. You can go through this article here.
Conclusion
Post and Core treatment is an excellent solution for badly decayed teeth that still have strong roots. It helps retain your natural tooth, provides strength, and allows a crown or cap to be placed for long-term function and aesthetics.
At 32 Sparklets Dental Implant & Root Canal Centre, Mohali, our specialists ensure you get the best treatment option — with the aim of saving your natural teeth whenever possible.
✨ If you suspect you may need Post and Core treatment, don’t wait. Schedule your consultation today.
📞 Call us at +91-95010 15088 / +91-96468 05088
📍 Visit us at #2407, Sector 79, Mohali
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