Core Build-up after a Root Canal
After a root canal, a tooth is often missing a lot of its natural structure. A core build-up rebuilds the missing part so that a crown has something solid to hold on to.
What it is
The core is made of strong filling material bonded to the remaining tooth. When too little tooth is left above the gum, a post (fibre or metal) is placed into a treated root canal first, to anchor the core. The tooth is then shaped for a crown. Without a core, a crown on a badly broken tooth can come loose or the tooth can fracture.
Who it is for
- A back tooth after root canal treatment
- A tooth with a large old filling or fracture that will be crowned
- A front tooth with little crown left
How it is done
- The root-canal-treated tooth is checked
- A post is placed if needed
- Core material is bonded and built up
- The tooth is shaped for the crown
Time: Usually done in the same visit as crown preparation.
Afterwards
- Do not chew hard food on the tooth until the crown is cemented
- A temporary crown may be placed meanwhile
What to know before you decide
A core cannot make up for a tooth that is cracked into the root or has too little sound structure at the gum line. In those cases your dentist may advise crown lengthening or extraction instead.
Fee and booking
Our current published fee is ₹3,000 per tooth for core build-up. The final cost is confirmed after examination, and you receive a written plan with every option priced before anything is started. Paying per visit at standard fees is always allowed; see payment options. All current fees are listed in our online store.
A booked consultation is Rs 500, adjusted against your treatment; an MDS specialist consultation is ₹1,500, by prior appointment at our Kharadi clinic, which is open 8 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week. Book online or call 8484 990 678.
Common questions
Is a post the same as a core?
No. The core rebuilds the crown portion; a post is an anchor in the root, used only when needed.
Do all root-canal teeth need a core?
Not all. It depends on how much tooth is left.
Is a crown still needed?
Usually yes, especially on back teeth, to prevent fracture.
Other options under Root Canal Treatment
Read more
- Root Canal Treatment: the full guide
- Patients' questions answered by our dentists
- Our MDS department of Prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, dentures)
- All treatments
General information, reviewed by Dr Avinash Bamane (A-18814) and Dr Rashmi Bamane (A-22726), Maharashtra State Dental Council. It does not replace an examination of your own teeth.