Tooth preparation for post-retained restorations

doi:doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812249

British Dental Journal 198, 463 - 471 (2005)
Published online: 23 April 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812249

Tooth preparation for post-retained restorations

D N J Ricketts¹, C M E Tait² & A J Higgins³

The timing of post placement following root canal treatment is critical to maintain an apical seal to the root filling and provide a coronal seal to the root canal system.
Appropriate gutta-percha removal and post space preparation is important to prevent unnecessary weakening of the root dentine, damage to the periodontium and post perforation.
Within the limitations of root length, curvature and maintaining 4–5 mm of apical gutta-percha for an apical seal, post length is critical to retention of post-retained crowns.
Preservation of coronal tooth tissue is important in order that a ferrule can be created, reducing the risk of root fracture.

Restoration of the endodontically treated tooth

Restoration of the root-filled tooth: pre-operative assessment
Tooth preparation for post-retained restorations
Post and core systems, refinements to tooth preparation and cementation
Weakened anterior roots – intraradicular rehabilitation

Failure of root canal treatment and/or post crowns can be avoided in many cases if appropriate tooth preparation is carried out. This paper discusses the rationale for the timing of post placement following root canal treatment and appropriate methods for removal of gutta-percha prior to post space preparation. The basic principles of post space preparation are described, which should reduce the risk of weakening the root unnecessarily, causing damage to the periodontium and post perforation.

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Senior Lecturer/Hon Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Dundee Dental Hospital and School, Park Place, Dundee, DD1 4HR.
Lecturer in Endodontics, Dundee Dental Hospital and School, Park Place, Dundee, DD1 4HR. / Specialist Private Practice, Edinburgh
Vocational Trainee, Falkirk, Scotland

Correspondence to: D N J Ricketts¹ Dundee Dental Hospital and School, Park Place, Dundee, DD1 4HR.