Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 11/1/2006

Question
Dr. Bornfeld,
   In the near future a close relative of mine will be going through a tooth post operation.  Could you please comment on what she should expect both at the dentist's office (surgery) and after.

Best Regards,

Charles

Answer
Dear Charles,

The placement of a post is a simple procedure, performed on a tooth that has received root canal therapy. It involves the removal of the superficial layers of root canal filling and the insertion of a cylindrical post (may be metallic or polymer resin) with a luting cement to hold it in place. Because posts are only placed in endodontically treated teeth, the nerves have been removed, and local anesthesia is usually unnecessary. Post placement may be done alone, or part of a larger structural restoration, such as a crown.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY