Preparation for Post

  1. A post is needed when the tooth has a large defect and has finished root canal therapy (R in Fig.1).  There are two types of post: prefabricated and cast (one and two appointments, for small and large decays, respectively).  A post space is created in the largest canal of the tooth (arrowheads in Fig.2).  Either a prefabricated post is inserted into the post space or a plastic pattern is made to fit the space.  The outside portion of the pattern is prepared (trimmed) to become part of the tooth structure.  The plastic pattern is sent to lab to make a cast post (P) and core (C, Fig.3), which is inserted (Fig.4) into the post space.  Finally a crown is cemented (Cr in Fig.5)
  2. Bensen Burner and burned endo curet, particularly for the case of endo not done in this office; we need these instrument to remove excess gutta percha from pulpal chamber and beginning portion of root canal (more conservative than Peeso) (first appointment)
  3. PA device is needed for both appointments: to confirm length of post space to be created (Fig.2) and seating of cast post (Fig.4)
  4. Temporary Crown Form Kit except for molars for the first appointment
  5. High and slow handpieces and bur block
  6. Instruments: basic (if it does not have a perio probe, we need a measurement device), curet (endo or restorative), spatula, articulating paper holder
  7. From treatment room, find Peeso 2,3 and flat end burs, prefabricated post vs. plastic pin and Duralay resin for pattern, temp crown Jet package (choose shade for anterior teeth), safety pin for temporary post, large wire scissors, cements (temp bond for cast post case; Ketac cement for prefabricated post), special high vacuum suction tip
  8. After cementation of prefabricated post, composite is needed to make a core.  The tooth is further prepared for crown impression

2nd appointment for cast post (cementation and crown prep)

  1. PA device (see above), highs peed handpiece, hemostat (remove temp), instruments mentioned above
  2. Occlude for post fitting
  3. Return Assistant Page

Xin Wei, DDS, PhD, MS 1st edition 05/17/2011, last revision 06/01/2011