<Tr> <Th> MeSH </Th> <Td> D011176 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> A post and core (colloquially known as a "post" or "dental post") is a type of dental restoration used either to stabilize a weakened tooth or provide an anchor for a crown . Utilized when inadequate tooth structure remains to support a traditional restoration, it consists of the insertion of a small rod (known as a "post") into the root space of an affected tooth, leaving several millimeters protruding . The protrusion is then used to support a large filling, or anchor a crown . </P> <P> Post and cores divide into two main groups: prefabricated and cast . Both of these systems employ a post that is placed within the root canal of the tooth being restored . Thus the tooth must first be endodontically treated . After the endodontic procedure has been completed, and the root canal (s) is / are filled with the inert gutta percha root canal filling material, some gutta percha is removed from the canal space, usually by a series of endodontic files that prepares and shapes the root canal . The space that exists coronal to the remaining gutta percha, called the post space, is now available within which to place a post . It is desirable to leave sufficient root filling material in the apical area to maintain an apical seal . This procedure does not even require local anesthesia as the tooth has long been dead after the root canal treatment and no pain is felt . </P>

What is a post after a root canal