Post and core

No, and this is one of the more useful things to know. A post is for retention where very little coronal tooth structure remains. Many root-treated teeth have enough structure left to retain a core and crown without one. Since placing a post removes root dentine, avoiding an unnecessary one is preferable. If a post is proposed, ask what specifically it is needed to retain.

No: this is the most common misconception about posts. A post aids retention of the core; it does not reinforce the root. Preparing the canal space actually removes dentine from inside the root. The strength of a root-treated tooth comes from the remaining sound structure and from a crown that encircles an adequate ferrule, not from what is placed inside the canal.

Fibre posts are non-metallic with flex characteristics closer to dentine, are tooth-colored which can matter under a translucent crown. Are generally easier to remove if retreatment is needed. Metal posts are rigid and strong but can be considerably harder to remove. Removability is a genuine practical consideration. A decision made now affects what is possible years later.

Usually, though it varies by post type, length, cement and canal anatomy. Removal carries a risk of root fracture or perforation. The post and core is precisely why post type matters at the time of placement. If retreatment is ever a realistic possibility for your tooth, it is reasonable to ask whether a more removable option is appropriate.

Because it is a distinct procedure with its own code: preparing the canal space, fitting and cementing the post, and forming the core. A cast post and core adds laboratory work and typically a second appointment. It should appear as a separate line on the estimate, and it is worth confirming whether it is included in the crown fee or charged in addition.

Yes: a post that is too long, placed at an angle that stresses the root wall unevenly, or one that has caused a perforation during preparation can produce persistent discomfort. A radiograph confirming the post's position and fit is a standard part of the process for that reason, and any pain following post placement that doesn't settle as expected warrants prompt reassessment instead of assuming it will resolve on its own.

A well-placed post generally functions for as long as the tooth and its restoration remain intact, since it is not a wearing component in the way a denture attachment is: its 'lifespan' is really tied to the longevity of the whole restored tooth, so problems affecting the post specifically (loosening, fracture) are relatively uncommon events, not expected routine maintenance.

The post and core can be done at either point. Some practices place the post shortly after root canal treatment is completed, in the same general treatment sequence, while others treat it as a distinct step closer to the crown preparation appointment, so the specific sequencing depends on practice workflow and the individual case instead of a single universal order.

A fractured post generally cannot be repaired in place and typically requires removal (with the associated risks that carries) and replacement as part of redoing the coronal restoration, which is one of the practical reasons post type and quality matter at the outset. A failure here usually means restarting a meaningful portion of the restorative work instead of a simple patch.

Not universally: a cast post and core is generally chosen where the canal shape or the amount of remaining structure calls for a design tailored specifically to that tooth, while a prefabricated post is entirely appropriate and works well in many straightforward cases. The extra cost of a custom option should be justified by a specific reason for your tooth, not assumed to always be the superior choice.

Yes: a post can be placed well after the original root canal treatment if the tooth subsequently needs a new crown or the existing restoration is being redone and additional retention is needed, since the post placement is really tied to the restorative need at that later point instead of required to happen immediately following the endodontic treatment itself.

Your dental records from the treating practice should specify the material used, and if you don't have that documentation, a radiograph can often show whether a post is radiopaque metal versus a fibre post, which appears differently on imaging. Asking your current dentist to check via your records or a radiograph is the reliable way to find out instead of guessing.