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Treatment of a Post Crown

Treatment with a post crown is a proven procedure when the natural tooth crown is so destroyed that a conventional crown would no longer find sufficient hold. A prerequisite for this type of tooth replacement is a successful root canal treatment. The post crown consists of a post that is fastened inside the cleaned root canal to support the subsequent core build-up. A major advantage of the post crown is the preservation of your own tooth root, making the procedure less invasive compared to implantation.


Treatment Process and Procedure for a Post Crown

The treatment process for a post crown generally begins with the tooth having already undergone a root canal treatment. If the tooth is already heavily damaged, the dentist must ensure that there is no inflammation at the root tip. First, the root canal is prepared to receive the post. The post is inserted by cementing or screwing it into the root canal. Once the post and core build-up has stabilized the tooth, the dentist takes an impression for the final crown. In the last session, the artificial crown is placed onto the core build-up to complete the visual appearance.

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Difference Between Post Crown and Dental Implant

The essential difference between a post crown and a dental implant lies in the anchorage. While the natural tooth root remains with a post crown, with an implant, the entire tooth including the root is replaced by an artificial tooth root made of titanium or ceramic. The implant thus replaces the missing tooth in the jaw and is firmly anchored in the bone. A post crown is only an option if the tooth is still firmly anchored in the jaw and the natural tooth root is healthy. For missing teeth, the dental implant is the conventional solution to protect the jawbone from resorption (bone loss).

Post and Core Build-up and Post Crown

A core build-up (Stiftaufbau) is necessary to give the crown the necessary stability. Depending on the material, the post can consist of metal, glass-fiber reinforced plastic, or ceramic. The post crown (or post-retained crown) forms the visible part of the tooth replacement. This type of restoration offers high resilience and natural aesthetics. Compared to implants, the process is usually completed faster, as no months-long healing phase in the jaw is necessary.

Costs for a Post Crown: How much does it cost?

The question "How much does a post crown cost?" cannot be answered with a flat rate, as the exact costs depend on the chosen material and the effort involved in the pre-treatment. Basically, a post crown is often less expensive than an implant. To determine the costs, the dentist creates a treatment and cost plan. Depending on the execution, a post crown costs between a few hundred and over a thousand Euros. The statutory health insurance covers part of the costs within the framework of "standard care" (Regelversorgung).

Health Insurance Covers Costs for Post Crowns

Health insurance usually covers the costs for a post crown partially via a fixed subsidy (Festzuschuss). This subsidy is based on the diagnostic findings and not on the chosen method of execution. If you decide on a high-quality ceramic post crown, you must bear the additional costs yourself. The statutory health insurance pays the standard rate, while private supplementary dental insurance often covers a larger part of the costs for the post crown.

Durability: How long does a post crown last?

Many patients ask themselves: "How long does a post crown last?" With good care and regular check-ups, a post crown can last many years, often even decades. Durability depends heavily on the quality of the preceding root canal treatment and oral hygiene. A post crown offers a robust solution, provided that the remaining tooth substance is not weakened by recurrent decay. Nevertheless, an implant often has an even longer prognosis, as it is anchored directly in the jaw independently of the neighboring tooth substance.

Comparison to Implants: Implant or Post Crown?

When choosing between an implant or a post crown, the degree of preservation of the tooth plays the decisive role. If the natural tooth root is healthy, the post crown offers an excellent opportunity to save your own tooth. However, if the tooth is already lost or the root is unstable, the implant is the superior solution. Further information on the surgical component can be found under Implantology. Aesthetic aspects, as discussed in Aesthetic Dentistry, also influence the decision. Should inflammation endanger the root, Endodontics (root canal treatment) is often the first step before a post build-up. If the bone is insufficient for an implant, bone augmentation may be necessary.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Post Crowns and Implants

What is the difference between a post crown and a dental implant?

The difference between a post crown and a dental implant lies primarily in the base. A post crown utilizes the existing natural tooth root, into which a post is inserted for stabilization. An implant, on the other hand, is an artificial tooth root made of titanium or ceramic that is inserted directly into the jawbone when a tooth is completely missing.

When does a post crown make sense?

A post crown is used when the natural tooth crown is largely destroyed, but the tooth root is still firm and healthy anchored in the jaw. A prerequisite is a successful root canal filling.

How high are the costs for a post crown?

A post crown generally costs less than an implant. The costs are made up of the dentist's fee, laboratory costs for the post and crown, and the material. Patients should expect a co-payment, which is reduced by the health insurance subsidy.

What happens if a post crown wobbles?

If a post crown is loose or wobbling, you should see a dentist immediately. The cause may be a loosening of the post in the root canal or a fracture of the remaining tooth root. In some cases, the post can be re-cemented; in others, an implant is necessary as a follow-up solution.

What is the duration of treatment for a post crown?

The duration of treatment usually comprises two to three appointments. First, the preparation of the canal and the insertion of the post take place, followed by taking an impression. After about one to two weeks, the finished crown is placed on the post.

Which materials are used for the post?

Today, glass-fiber reinforced plastic or ceramic is often used for post crowns, as these materials possess an elasticity similar to the natural tooth and are aesthetically advantageous. Conventionally, metal posts were often used, but these have become less common.

Does health insurance cover the costs for post crowns?

Yes, statutory health insurance grants a fixed subsidy for treatment with a post crown. This covers part of the costs of standard care. High-quality aesthetic solutions must be paid for privately.

Is the treatment of a post crown painful?

Since the tooth has already been root-treated, the treatment of a post crown is generally painless, as there are no longer any living nerves in the tooth. A slight feeling of pressure during insertion is normal, however.

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