Usage of Posts

ABSTRACT

The ideal management of a severely damaged tooth structure with any sort of periapical or pulpal pathology is dependent on a definitive and careful endodontic treatment as well as on a good and strong prosthodontic management which should be tried to be accomplished by all clinicians. Majority of the teeth which have undergone pulp extirpation and subsequent treatment are weak structurally and require an endodontic post and core build system for adequate functionality as well as aesthetics. Amongst all the available options for post and core systems, the decision to select an appropriate one can be challenging to the clinicians. If a tooth has lost significant coronal structure due to underlying caries or any sort of pulpal pathology, it is important to treat it endodontically also equal attention should be paid to its restoration to its anatomic form and function. However when sufficient remaining tooth substance is present, there no need of a post and the tooth can be endodontically treated with a prosthetic crown for its restoration. If a tooth has lost most of its tooth structure, it definitely necessitates the use of a post. The function of a post is to help retain a core which will provide structure and support to the future crown. An endodontic post not only provides strength and support to the remaining crown structure by retaining the core but also to the radicular part of the tooth. The more the tooth structure is preserved, the lower is the risk of catastrophic failures for that tooth. Posts which are pre - fabricated have numerous options from material aspect. This review article emphasizes on the various parameters to be considered before planning an endodontic post for a tooth.