A dental post is used in restorative dentistry to provide structural support to a tooth that has undergone significant structural loss, often due to decay, fracture, or following a root canal treatment. Here’s how a dental post functions:

1. Support for Dental Restoration:

- When a tooth has lost a significant amount of its structure, there may not be enough tooth left to securely hold a filling or crown. A dental post provides additional support in such cases.

- It's inserted into the space within the tooth where the root canal was performed, known as the root canal space.

2. Placement After Root Canal Treatment:

- A post is typically placed in a tooth after root canal therapy. During root canal treatment, the diseased or infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) is removed, and the space is filled with a biocompatible material.

- This leaves the tooth hollowed out and potentially weakened.

3. Types of Posts:

- Posts can be made from various materials, including metal (like stainless steel or titanium) and non-metallic materials (like carbon fiber or glass fiber).

- The choice of material depends on several factors, including the structural needs of the tooth, aesthetic considerations, and the dentist’s preference.

4. Fabrication and Placement:

- A post is either prefabricated (bought as a ready-made piece) or custom-made to fit the root canal space.

- It is cemented or bonded into the prepared root canal, extending into the core build-up material that replaces the lost tooth structure.

- Once the post is in place, a crown or other restoration is placed on top to restore the tooth's shape, size, and function.

5. Considerations for Use:

- Dental posts are not always necessary in every root canal-treated tooth. They are typically used when there's not enough tooth structure remaining to support a restoration.

- The decision to use a post is based on the tooth's condition, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and the functional and aesthetic requirements of the final restoration.

Dental posts play a crucial role in the restoration of severely compromised teeth, helping to retain fillings or crowns and restore the tooth to its full functionality. However, their use requires careful consideration and planning by a dental professional to ensure the long-term health and stability of the restored tooth.