Is It Normal for a Post to Show at the Bottom of a Tooth?

Question

I had a root canal done 2 weeks ago and post put in recently. The dentist filled in my tooth and told me at some point I will need a crown. Now at the bottom of the tooth, in the middle, I can see the post sticking out and when I run my tongue over it I can feel it, I would say 1mm of it is sticking out. I called my dentist and asked if it is normal, the receptionist said yes it is normal. But is it really normal?

Donald L. Wilcox, DDS · Answer

It is hard to tell without a photo of some sort.  Nornally a post would be contained with the remained tooth structure.  If it is thin it may well show through.  If you were missing alot of tooth structure it is possible you could feel it.  Sounds like it should be checked by your dentist sometime to be sure all is well.

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

This is normal but usually you will cover everything with a crown so you won't see it good luck

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD      CEO Baystate Dental PC

James Merrett, DDS · Answer

It depends what you are calling the bottom of the tooth?? It would be much easier to tell what you are talking about if you enclosed a picture. What you may be calling the bottom, someone else may call the top??? If you are talking about the biting surface, then you maybe be able to see the post or possibly feel the post. You need to remember this is a temporary phase, and you should not wait too long to get the crown on the tooth. I have seen many teeth fracture beyond repair when no crown was placed after a period of time.

Mauricio C. Tijerino, DMD · Answer

Typically, when a tooth gets a post it is because there was significant loss of walls or tooth structure. The post is cemented into the root and a build-up filling material is placed around that post to engage and hold the material in. The post should have been cut to a length just short of the top of the tooth (chewing surface) so that when the filling material is put in, the top of the post is burried under the filling and not visible. It can still be ground down flush with the filling so that you don't feel it with the tongue.

	I would recommend to get the crown sooner rather than later. Once a post if placed, the tooth is more prone to fracturing in a way that may not be saved. The crown will reduce the chances of fracture.  

	Good luck

	Dr.T

Joseph Henry, DDS · Answer

No, the post should not be sticking out where you can feel it with your tongue. You should go back and have it smoothed off and then have the crown  done as soon as you are able.

Is It Normal for a Post to Show at the Bottom of a Tooth?

Answers (7)

Answer: It is not normal for the post to stick out of the top of the tooth.

Answer: It is not normal for the post to stick out of the top of the tooth.

Answer: Not normal to feel a post sticking out of a tooth

Answer: Not normal to feel a post sticking out of a tooth

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Is It Normal for a Post to Show at the Bottom of a Tooth?

Answers (7)

Answer: It is not normal for the post to stick out of the top of the tooth.

Answer: It is not normal for the post to stick out of the top of the tooth.

Answer: Not normal to feel a post sticking out of a tooth

Answer: Not normal to feel a post sticking out of a tooth

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.