What is the difference between a dental post and build up?

A dental post and a build-up are both restorations used in dentistry to restore a damaged tooth. However, they serve different purposes and are used in different situations.

Dental post

A dental post is a small, metal rod that is placed into the root canal of a tooth. It is used to provide support for a dental crown or bridge. The post is typically made of stainless steel, titanium, or gold.

Dental posts are used when a tooth has lost a significant amount of tooth structure, such as due to decay or trauma. The post helps to strengthen the tooth and provide a foundation for the crown or bridge.

Build-up

A build-up is a restoration that is used to add bulk to a tooth. It is typically made of a composite resin material. Build-ups are used when a tooth has lost a small amount of tooth structure, such as due to a chip or fracture.

Build-ups can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth, such as by changing the shape or color.

Differences between a dental post and build-up

The main difference between a dental post and a build-up is the purpose for which they are used. Dental posts are used to provide support for a dental crown or bridge, while build-ups are used to add bulk to a tooth.

Another difference is the location of the restoration. Dental posts are placed into the root canal of a tooth, while build-ups are placed on the surface of a tooth.

Finally, dental posts are typically made of metal, while build-ups are typically made of a composite resin material.