Altshul JH, Marshall G, Morgan LA, Baumgartner JC. Comparison of dentinal crack incidence and of post removal time resulting from post removal by ultrasonic or mechanical force. J Endod. 1997; 23:(11)683-686
Krell KV, Jordan RD, Madison S, Aquilino S. Using ultrasonic scalers to remove fractured root posts. J Prosthet Dent. 1986; 55:(1)46-49
Castrisos T, Abbott PV. A survey of methods used for post removal in specialist endodontic practice. Int Endod J. 2002; 35:(2)172-180
Satterthwaite JD, Stokes AN, Frankel NT. Potential for temperature change during application of ultrasonic vibration to intra-radicular posts. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2003; 11:(2)51-56
Berbert A, Filho MT, Ueno AH, Bramante CM, Ishikiriama A. The influence of ultrasound in removing intraradicular posts. Int Endod J. 1995; 28:(2)100-102
Buoncristiani J, Seto BG, Caputo AA. Evaluation of ultrasonic and sonic instruments for intraradicular post removal. J Endod. 1994; 20:(10)486-489
Gomes AP, Kubo CH, Santos RA, Santos DR, Padilha RQ. The influence of ultrasound on the retention of cast posts cemented with different agents. Int Endod J. 2001; 34:(2)93-99
Williams VD, Bjorndal AM. The Masserann technique for the removal of fractured posts in endodontically treated teeth. J Prosthet Dent. 1983; 49:(1)46-48
Stamos DE, Gutmann JL. Survey of endodontic retreatment methods used to remove intraradicular posts. J Endod. 1993; 19:(7)366-369
Castrisos TV, Palamara JE, Abbott PV. Measurement of strain on tooth roots during post removal with the Eggler post remover. Int Endod J. 2002; 35:(4)337-344
Many different techniques for the removal of posts have been proposed over the years, including the development of a number of different instruments and systems. This article discusses a number of the more common techniques, systems and their indications.
Clinical Relevance: Dentists should be aware of the techniques available for the removal of posts and understand which techniques are appropriate for individual cases.
Article
The previous article in this series discussed the variety of post systems that are available on the dental market and the incidence and reasons for failure of teeth that have been restored with posts. It also discussed the treatment options available for the management of such failures and highlighted the importance of carrying out a thorough assessment to aid with treatment planning. Post removal is often indicated, and this article will describe the various techniques and systems available and their indications.
The preparation required prior to post removal will vary depending on what type of post is present and what technique for removal is going to be used. The tooth should be isolated (preferably with rubber dam) to prevent the inhalation or ingestion of post fragments or instruments during the procedure and to maintain an aseptic working environment.
Informed consent must be obtained from the patient and other possible treatment options discussed. In cases of endodontic failure, these may include peri-radicular surgery, extraction, or monitoring of a radiographic lesion, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach must be discussed. If post removal is necessary because of a fractured post, the alternatives are limited to keeping the root as an overdenture abutment, retaining a core with dentine pins (a compromise with a poor long term outcome) or extraction.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Dental Update and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits: