Are you familiar with the term “Dental Posts” or “dental dowel”? While not a commonly known phrase, it’s a term that’s frequently used within the field of dentistry. If you’re reading this article, chances are that you’ve either heard this term from your dentist or you’re a dental professional who’s well-versed in this technique.
This blog post aims to provide comprehensive guidelines for the dental post treatment, including its contraindications, risks, and available materials in the market. Additionally, we will discuss the most suitable materials for your specific needs. It’s important to note that dental posts are often confused with dental implants; however, these are entirely distinct treatments. We’ll delve into the specifics of dental implants and how to select the optimal option in future posts.
What is the difference between a dental post and a dental implant?
It’s worth noting that the primary distinction between dental implants and dental posts lies in their placement. Implants are utilized when a tooth is entirely missing, and the root needs to be replaced. In contrast, a dental post or dowel is inserted when the visible part of the tooth’s crown is absent, but the root can be restored and saved.
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Types of materials for the dental post
Dental posts can be created in one of two ways: either directly in the tooth or fabricated in a laboratory. When the crown is significantly damaged, and gum reduction is necessary to improve crown adhesion, laboratory techniques are recommended. Materials utilized in dental posts include:
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Fiberglass dental post
The in-office fabrication of dental posts eliminates the need for an additional laboratory step. This technique is particularly useful when the tooth retains a strong grip, and the goal is to avoid further tooth grinding that may weaken it. Additionally, this method provides a tooth-like flexibility, resulting in enhanced tooth durability and reduced fracture risk compared to other, more rigid post materials.
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Gold dental post
Gold is a highly favorable material for various dental restorations due to its flexibility and exceptional durability over time. Moreover, it boasts superior peripheral sealing that inhibits future leakage. Nevertheless, its primary drawback is its color, which appears unnatural and unappealing in the mouth. Fortunately, because dental posts are positioned inside the tooth and not visible when smiling, gold is still a suitable option due to its advantageous properties, without any accompanying unsightly yellow coloring.
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Metal dental post
The use of metal posts is necessary in cases of severe dental destruction, similar to gold posts. Both techniques require laboratory intervention, beginning with the creation of an “acrylic” impression. The laboratory subsequently transforms the impression into the desired metal or gold post that is then cemented into the tooth. While metal is a more affordable option than gold, the latter’s superior durability and longevity make it the preferred choice. Considering that the post material can remain in the mouth for a prolonged period, my personal recommendation is to opt for gold.
Recommendations for placing a dental post in Medellin
It should also be taken into account that before performing a dental post in a dental office or dental clinic, the tooth must have a healthy root canal, well sealed and there must be no pain or infection. Since when the tooth is sealed by the bolt, access to clean an infection is very difficult.
In the past, several dentists conducted dental posts without considering endodontics, leading to advanced infections and tooth loss that could have been prevented if addressed promptly. The state of endodontics can be verified through an X-ray, and if there are any doubts, it is crucial to consult with a dentist regarding the procedure’s suitability. In the case of poorly executed endodontics, the dentist may advise repeating the procedure before placing a dental post.
Associated risks of dental post
It is important to note that as a tooth undergoes more dental treatments such as a post and crown endodontic treatment due to fractures or cavities, the risk of tooth decay and fracture increases. It is especially risky when a tooth with a post already installed suffers additional damage as the next treatment option may likely be a dental implant due to the poor prognosis of the tooth.
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