Whenever a tooth has had a Root Canal Treatment (RCT), it is almost always necessary to reinforce the tooth prior to placing a crown. Once the nerve and associated blood vessels are removed from the channel in the middle of each root, the tooth will become increasingly more brittle over time. The risk of fracture and eventual tooth loss is almost certain.

If the clinical crown is reasonably intact, a prefabricated titanium post bonded into place may be adequate to provide reinforcement. However, if the tooth has sustained significant decay, fracture or is heavily restored, a cast post and core may be a stronger and more appropriate way to strengthen the tooth prior to placing the necessary crown.

The post and core procedure requires two visits. The dentist will remove all decayed and damaged tooth material as well as any remaining restoration from the exposed portion of the tooth. He / she will then carefully prepare a channel or post hole up to about 10mm deep in the centre of the tooth, by removing some of the RCT sealer. Next an impression is taken of the post hole and the remaining tooth structure. This mold is promptly sent to the lab technician. A temporary crown is then placed over top of the preparation. The patient usually returns in about 7-10 days to have the custom fabricated post and core bonded into place.

In most cases, after the post and core is completed, the crown preparation is done on that same visit in order to expedite completion.