A dental post is a small rod inserted into a tooth’s root to support a crown when natural tooth structure is insufficient, often after a root canal procedure. These posts provide foundational stability. When a dental post breaks, it can be a concerning issue for patients. While direct repair of a broken post is rarely an option, solutions are typically available to address the situation and restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
What Are Dental Posts and Why Do They Break?
Dental posts play an important role in restoring teeth with significant damage or decay, particularly after root canal treatment. A post is placed within the root canal space to anchor a core buildup, providing a stable foundation for a dental crown. This reinforcement helps distribute biting forces and preserve the tooth’s structure.
Despite their reinforcing purpose, dental posts can break or fail due to various stresses. Excessive biting force, often from teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching, is a common reason. Direct trauma or injury to the tooth, such as a fall or impact, can also fracture a post. Decay around the crown or root can compromise the supporting tooth structure, leading to failure. Additionally, post material can experience fatigue over time, or structural weaknesses may exist due to improper initial placement or design.
Is Repair Possible? Understanding Your Options
Directly “repairing” a broken dental post is uncommon, but the issue can often be resolved through various dental interventions. The feasibility of addressing the issue, which usually involves replacement or re-treatment, depends on several factors assessed by a dental professional. Dentists determine the extent of the damage, assessing if the post is loose, fractured, or if the tooth root is compromised.
The amount of healthy tooth structure remaining above and below the gum line is an important factor. Sufficient tooth structure is necessary to provide adequate support for a new post and crown. The root’s condition is also key; if the root is fractured, especially vertically, or severely damaged, the tooth may not be salvageable. Infection within the root or surrounding tissues could further complicate the prognosis. The specific location of the break, whether above or below the gum line, influences the complexity and success of restorative efforts.
Based on these assessments, a dentist considers several resolutions. Re-treatment is a frequent approach, involving removal of the existing post and crown, re-preparation of the root canal space, and placement of a new post and crown. If the tooth or root is too extensively damaged to support a new restoration, extraction may be necessary. Following extraction, replacement options like a dental implant or a fixed bridge can restore the missing tooth.
What Happens During Repair or Replacement?
When a dental post breaks, a dental professional performs a thorough assessment. This includes a clinical examination, X-rays, and a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. These diagnostic tools help determine the nature and extent of the damage to the tooth, root, and surrounding bone, guiding the course of action.
For feasible re-treatment, the procedure begins with removing the existing crown and fractured dental post. The root canal space is then cleaned and re-prepared to be free of debris and infection for a new restoration. A new dental post, often made from materials like fiberglass or titanium, is then placed into the re-prepared root canal. A core buildup material is applied around the post to rebuild the tooth’s structure, forming a stable base for the new crown. Impressions are then taken to fabricate the new crown, which will later be cemented into place, restoring the tooth.
If the tooth is deemed unsalvageable due to extensive damage, extraction becomes necessary. Following tooth removal, several replacement options are available. A dental implant involves surgically placing a titanium screw into the jawbone, which fuses with the bone over several months. Once integrated, an abutment and crown are attached to the implant. Alternatively, a fixed bridge involves preparing the adjacent teeth to serve as anchors for a prosthetic tooth that spans the gap.
Tips for Maintaining Your Dental Work
Good oral hygiene practices are important for extending the lifespan of dental work, including teeth with posts and crowns. Regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash help prevent plaque and bacteria, which can lead to decay around crown margins. Decay in these areas can weaken the underlying tooth structure, potentially compromising the post’s stability.
Routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important. These visits allow dentists to monitor existing dental work and address issues early. Patients should avoid biting hard foods like ice or hard candies, as these can damage crowns or posts.
Also avoid using teeth as tools, such as opening packages. For individuals who grind or clench their teeth, a nightguard can protect dental restorations. Seek dental attention if a crown feels loose, a tooth becomes sensitive, or discomfort arises.