What is a post and how much does it cost?
2007-01-15 00:32:03 · 7 answers · asked by cdp447 1 in Health ➔ Dental
A post is used along with a build up material to add stability or strength to a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. A little bit of the gutta percha is drilled out from the canal and the post is fitted and cemented in place, with part of the post in the canal towards the root, and part of it out in the top or surface of the tooth. Much like a fence post is cemented in the ground.
This is where the build up material (much like filling material) is added. This gives the tooth added strength from the root to the chewing or biting surface of the tooth. They are usually required in a tooth that lost a lot of tooth structure due to decay, or it is used to grind, chew or bite with, and has the possibility of breaking off at the gum line. Once the root canal is preformed the tooth is dead and becomes dried out and more brittle making it succeptable to fracture and loss. A lot of dentist just do them especially on anterior teeth as a precaution, to keep you from losing the tooth later and needing a more expensive bridge. See, not just to make the big bucks after all! What ever the case may be, go with what your doctor suggest,he's only looking out for your best interest. As for the cost, it varies from each doctor and each state. Average cost increase added to the crown cost is somewhere around $100.00-300.00 depending on if it's prefabricated or custom made by a lab. Just ask the doctor or staff. Hope I've been of some help. Good luck!
2007-01-15 01:27:51 · answer #1 · answered by HeatherS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a post done too. I believe that when you have the root canal done and they drill out some much they need to put in a post and put a cap on it. Because so much of the tooth is gone, the post is put there to fill that space where they drilled out and they put the cap on to seal it and keep the tooth from breaking. Try and think of it this way - a post is like a fence post - the fence is your tooth - the fence attaches to the fence post, otherwise the fence couldn't stand up. Have it done no matter what, my first root canal I didn't go back to have it done and the tooth broke right in half, very uncomfortable. I don't know where you live so can't give you a price. Good luck!
2007-01-15 00:46:21 · answer #2 · answered by purple_lily76 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is normal to need a post after a root canal. A post is a piece of metal that is put in the tooth for structure, so it can hold the crown in place. I think we charge $30 at my husbands clinic, but it could be different were you go.
2007-01-15 00:55:29 · answer #3 · answered by Gina 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A POST IS PLACED BECAUSE A TOOTH THAT HAS HAD A ROOT CANAL IS MORE BRITTLE THAN ONE THAT HAS NOT HAD A ROOT CANAL. THE ROOT CANAL TAKES AWAY THE NERVE AND THE BLOOD VESSEL SUPPLY TO THE TOOTH. THIS RESULTS IN THE TOOTH BEING LESS FLEXIBLE. THEREFORE IT IS AT AN INCREASED RISK OF FRACTURE.
A POST ACTS LIKE THE WIRE REINFORCEMENT IN CEMENT. IT INCREASES THE STRENGTH AND REDUCES FRACTURE INCIDENCE. IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A POST IN ANY TOOTH THAT HAS HAD A ROOT CANAL ESPECIALLY IN THE POSTERIOR WHERE BITING FORCES ARE GREATLY INCREASED.
2007-01-15 01:12:06 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Rybarz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You will probably need a post and a crown. When there isn't much tooth structure left, the post is put in place to anchor the crown on. It's important to complete your procedure by getting the post and crown, to protect the remaining tooth structure.
2007-01-18 18:34:59 · answer #5 · answered by Cookie Preston 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i heard the same thing last week. a post and a cap. i'll be keeping an eye on your answers. good question!
2007-01-15 00:37:28 · answer #6 · answered by Kodoku Josei 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
better to ask doctor itself
2007-01-15 00:37:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋