Post Crown: Cost, Procedure, Lifespan & Insurance Coverage

A post crown is a restoration technique that allows you to preserve the root of a devitalized tooth, thus avoiding extraction. It consists of a post and core plus a crown, offering a durable solution to restore the functions of a natural tooth.

What is a dental post or post crown?

A post crown corresponds to the post and core plus dental crown assembly. It is a restoration technique that preserves the root of a devitalized tooth, thus avoiding extraction and the placement of a dental implant.

This restoration is widely used on severely damaged teeth and allows you to regain the functions of a natural tooth: chewing, aesthetics and speech.

How is a post crown placed?

To place a dental post, several procedures must be performed, usually over multiple appointments.

Creating the post and core

First, it is necessary to treat the initial decay to preserve only healthy dental tissue and prevent the infection from progressing. This step will also allow access for root canal treatment.

Your dentist will then proceed with devitalizing the tooth to be treated, thus relieving any pain. The canal shaping will be done at the same time. The endodontic treatment is performed under local anesthesia.

A silicone or digital impression will be taken once the post is in place, allowing the dental technician to create the core of the post and core assembly.

Once the post and core is in place, the tooth root is treated and ready for placement of a new crown, or a bridge if multiple teeth need treatment.

Placing the crown on the post

A new impression is taken by your dentist, allowing the technician to create the visible part of the tooth, the crown. This prosthesis can be made:

• With a metal alloy
• In ceramic
• In zirconia

The choice of material depends on aesthetic expectations and the anatomical location of the new post.

The final prosthesis is bonded or cemented using a special cement, providing strong resistance to mechanical stress and powerful impacts.

The perfect fit of the crown is crucial for its resemblance to a natural tooth and to limit the effects of chewing on its aging.

What is the lifespan of a post crown?

Depending on the materials used, the size of the original tooth and the quality of the jawbone locally, the average lifespan of a dental post is 10 to 15 years.

Several factors influence this longevity:

• The quality of the initial root treatment
• The strength of the remaining root
• The fit of the prosthetic pieces
• The patient's oral hygiene

How much does a post crown cost?

The cost of a post crown depends on the materials used for the restoration (mixed crown, metal, ceramic or zirconia). Generally expect:

Your practitioner will provide you with a quote before performing the treatment.

French Health Insurance reimbursement is much lower than the actual cost of a post (excluding 100% Santé), and this coverage can be supplemented by your private insurance.

What is the insurance coverage for a post crown?

The French Social Security coverage base is:

• Post and core: €90
• All-ceramic crown: €120 generally

Your supplementary insurance will complement this reimbursement base. Submit your quote to your insurance to find out the exact remaining cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Post Crowns

What to do if a post crown becomes loose?

If your post crown is mobile, it is recommended to make an appointment with your dentist to identify the cause of this mobility. This may indicate the need for additional treatment such as creating a new prosthesis, or even extracting the tooth root and placing a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.

What to do if a post crown falls out?

Following the loss of a dental post, make an appointment with your dentist to identify possible solutions to correct the existing system. In case of severe wear and depending on the situation, it may be necessary to extract the root and proceed with placing a dental implant.

Can you whiten a post crown?

No, it is not possible to whiten a dental prosthesis and therefore a dental post. It will therefore be necessary to create a new crown or bridge if you undergo teeth whitening.

Can a loose post crown be re-cemented?

Yes, make an appointment with your dentist to check if your crown can be fixed again. If you have lost it, a new crown can be made for your post crown.

Can a dental post be replaced?

Your dentist can identify situations that allow replacing the existing device. Since post crown indications correspond to significant decay with pain and need for devitalization, post crowns have limited potential when they are severely damaged.

How to re-cement a post crown?

Only a dentist is able to re-cement a post crown. Therefore, make an appointment with your practitioner to perform the necessary procedure. Do not try to re-cement it yourself with store-bought glue.

What is the difference between a post and a dental implant?

A post crown is indicated for patients with a tooth damaged by decay that can be devitalized. A dental implant is indicated for patients with a missing tooth or one that needs to be extracted: the implant then serves as an artificial root.

Why get a dental post?

This procedure is indicated for patients with significant decay with pulp involvement that can be devitalized. Creating a post crown will then relieve pain and restore a functional and aesthetic tooth.

Conclusion

The post crown represents an effective solution for restoring a severely damaged tooth while preserving its natural root. With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and a cost between €600 and €2,000, it constitutes an interesting alternative to extraction followed by an implant.

Key points to remember:

• Post crown = post and core + crown
• It allows preserving the natural root
• Average lifespan: 10-15 years
• If it becomes loose, consult your dentist promptly