Hi, I’m Dr. Inorica Alina Pripici, dentist at the clinic INO Dental in Bucharest and today I want to explain to you in detail what a dental pivot is, when it is necessary and how it can help you regain your healthy smile. Questions about this procedure are very frequent during consultations, so I thought I would write this article to clarify all aspects of this dental treatment.
What is a dental post?
A dental post is a prosthetic that is inserted into the root of a severely damaged tooth to provide structural support for restoration. Its role is essential when the dental crown has been severely damaged by decay or trauma, but the root is still viable.
Basically, the dental post acts as a supporting “post” for a new crown, providing long-term stability and functionality. In our clinic, we use the latest techniques and materials to ensure that the treatments offered are durable and comfortable.
Components of a dental post
A dental post consists of two parts:
- Artificial root, which is inserted into an already treated root canal.
- Dental crown, which is placed over the post to restore the appearance and function of the lost tooth.
When is a dental post needed?
I usually recommend fitting a dental post when:
- The tooth is extremely damaged and cannot support a crown on its own.
- After a root canal (endodontic) procedure, the tooth remains fragile and needs extra support.
- There is a healthy root structure that can support the tap root.
Dental posts offer an excellent solution in situations where the tooth is too weak to withstand other types of prosthetic treatment, but it is important to note that the root must be healthy in order to apply this solution.
When is a dental post NOT needed?
There are cases where a dental post is not a suitable solution:
- The tooth root is damaged and cannot support a post.
- The tooth has enough healthy structure to support a crown without the need for a post.
- The patient has severe periodontal disease affecting the stability of the dental root.
In these situations, I recommend evaluating other options, such as dental implants, which offer a complete solution if the root is compromised.
Service life of a dental post
One important question patients often ask is how durable a dental post is. In general, the lifespan of a post can vary between 10 and 15 years, but this depends a lot on the patient’s oral care and the materials used. At INO Dental, we use the highest quality materials and apply advanced techniques to maximize the life of the post.
To ensure maximum durability, rigorous oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for professional check-ups and cleanings are essential.
Types of Dental Pivot
There are several types of dental posts available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right type depends on the patient’s clinical situation, esthetic preferences and desired durability. In the following, I will detail these types to better understand what options are available to you at INO Dental in Bucharest.
1. Molded dental post
The cast dental post is made of a metal alloy through a casting process and is created specifically for each patient. This type of post is customized to fit the exact anatomy of the root canal.
- Indications: recommended when the tooth has been endodontically treated and the root is still viable, but the upper structure has been severely damaged.
- Advantages: Being custom-made, it offers excellent fit and durability, especially for posterior teeth.
- Disadvantages: Aesthetics are not a priority, as the metal may be visible in front teeth.
2. Metal dental metal pivot
Metal dental posts are made of metals such as titanium or other high-strength alloys. This type is often used because of its high durability and ability to withstand high forces, making it ideal for teeth at the back of the oral cavity.
- Indications:It is commonly used on posterior teeth that are not visible and have to withstand high pressure during mastication.
- The strength and durability are high, making it a great option for molar or premolar teeth.
- Disadvantages: The aesthetics are compromised as the post is made of metal, which can become visible in the front teeth, affecting the overall appearance of the smile.
3. Zirconia dental posts
Zirconia is a modern ceramic material known for its strength and aesthetics. Zirconia posts are almost invisible, closely imitating the natural tooth color.
- Indications: especially preferred for front teeth or where aesthetics play an important role.
- Advantages: Zirconia has excellent aesthetics, being white and almost invisible under the crown, ideal for patients who want a natural-looking result. It is also biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
- Disadvantages: Costs are higher compared to metal or prefabricated bollards, and the assembly process can be more complex.
4. Prefabricated dental post
Prefabricated dental posts are standardized solutions, available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and are used when advanced customization is not required.
- Indications: they are commonly used in emergency situations or when the patient does not require a customized pivot.
- Advantages: they are immediately available, reducing treatment time and are usually more affordable.
- Disadvantages: Does not offer the same perfect-fit benefits as a molded pivot, which can affect long-term durability.
5. Prefabricated metal pivot
The prefabricated metal post is a quick and economical solution and is used in cases where aesthetics are not a top priority. It is strong and ideal for posterior teeth.
- Indications:This type of post is often used for teeth in the back of the oral cavity, which are subjected to high forces.
- Advantages: Durability and lower cost compared to custom bollards.
- Disadvantages: Not suitable for front teeth where aesthetics are important as the metal can be visible through the gum.
6. Prefabricated fiberglass pivot
Fiberglass posts are a more aesthetic and flexible alternative to metal posts. Fiberglass is transparent and adapts better to the natural tooth structure.
- Indications: it is recommended for front teeth or for patients who emphasize esthetic treatment.
- Advantages: Provides superior aesthetics by being transparent and imitating the color of the natural tooth. It is also more flexible, which reduces the risk of root fracture and helps absorb masticatory shock.
- Disadvantages: Although aesthetically pleasing and safer for the tooth root, the strength is not as high as metal posts.
At INO Dental in Bucharest, we discuss in detail with each patient in order to choose the most suitable type of dental post, depending on the clinical situation, esthetic preferences and budget.
The difference between a dental post and a dental implant
One of the most common questions I receive is about the difference between a dental post and a dental implant. A dental post is used when the tooth root is still viable, providing support for a crown. A dental implant, on the other hand, is a solution that completely replaces the tooth, including the root, and is inserted directly into the jawbone.
Dental implants are recommended when there is no natural tooth structure that can be used, while dental posts are a less invasive and more affordable option.
Advantages and disadvantages of the dental post
Advantage:
- Preserves the natural tooth root.
- It is less invasive than dental implants.
- Lower costs compared to other dental restorative solutions.
- The procedure is faster than having a dental implant fitted.
Disadvantages:
- It requires a healthy tooth root to be applied.
- Durability may be lower compared to a dental implant.
- In some cases, metal posts can affect the aesthetics of your smile.
How much does a dental post cost?
Depending on your needs, we invite you to to make an appointment online for a consultation at INO Dental, where we will discuss all available options and associated costs. You can consult our price list or call us for more details 0721 584 935
