The difference between prefabricated and custom made posts

Prefabricated posts are standardized, mass-produced dental posts that are selected and placed chair-side, saving time and offering various material and size options. Custom-made (or cast) posts are fabricated by a dental laboratory from an impression of the tooth's root canal, ensuring a highly precise and individualized fit, which is particularly beneficial in cases of severe tooth structure loss, though it requires more time.

Prefabricated Posts

• Standardized posts made in advance with various shapes, sizes, and materials (e.g., stainless steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass).

• The dentist selects the best-fitting post from available options for the root canal.

Advantages:

• Faster placement and less chair time.

• Wide range of material and size choices.

Disadvantages:

• May not provide the ideal fit for every root canal anatomy.

Custom-Made Posts

• Posts fabricated in a dental laboratory to precisely match the unique anatomy of a patient's root canal.

• Involves taking an impression of the root canal, which is then used by the lab to create a custom post and core.

Advantages:

• Superior fit and adaptation to the root canal space, providing better retention.

• Can be chosen for severe cases of coronal tissue loss where prefabricated options are insufficient.

Disadvantages:

• Requires more time for fabrication in the lab.

• Can be very rigid, which may pose a risk of tooth fracture due to differing elastic properties compared to dentin.

When to Choose Each

Prefabricated posts:

• Are often used when there is sufficient tooth structure and time is a factor.

Custom-made posts:

• Are preferred for complex cases, especially when there is severe coronal structure loss, or when the tooth is used as a long-span rehabilitation pillar.