Post

A dental post is a prefabricated or custom-fabricated rod that is cemented into the prepared root canal space of an endodontically treated tooth to provide internal retention for a core buildup and subsequent crown restoration. Posts are indicated when the remaining coronal tooth structure is insufficient to support a restoration on its own, which is a common clinical scenario following root canal therapy on teeth with extensive decay or fracture. Prefabricated posts are available in materials such as titanium, stainless steel, and fiber-reinforced composite, while custom-cast posts are laboratory-fabricated from gold or base metal alloys to match the exact canal anatomy.

The selection between prefabricated and cast posts depends on clinical factors including the amount of remaining tooth structure, canal morphology, and the functional demands placed on the tooth. Fiber posts have gained popularity because their modulus of elasticity is closer to that of natural dentin, which distributes occlusal forces more favorably and reduces the risk of catastrophic root fracture compared to rigid metal posts. Cast post and core systems remain preferred in situations involving severely compromised teeth or non-round canal shapes where a prefabricated post would not achieve adequate adaptation.

On the billing side, post placement and core buildup are coded separately from the final crown restoration, and each component must be documented independently to support the claim. The CDT code for a prefabricated post is distinct from the code for a cast post, and submitting the wrong code is a frequent cause of downcoding or denial. Insurance plans may also require documentation demonstrating that the remaining tooth structure was inadequate to retain the crown without a post, making thorough clinical notes and radiographic evidence essential for clean claim submission.