Key Points
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Preservation of coronal tooth tissue is important in order that a ferrule can be created, reducing the risk of root fracture.
Key Points
Restoration of the endodontically treated tooth
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1
Restoration of the root-filled tooth: pre-operative assessment
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2
Tooth preparation for post-retained restorations
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3
Post and core systems, refinements to tooth preparation and cementation
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4
Weakened anterior roots – intraradicular rehabilitation
Abstract
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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Ricketts, D., Tait, C. & Higgins, A. Tooth preparation for post-retained restorations. Br Dent J 198, 463–471 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4812249
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4812249
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