Prefabricated Posts: A literature review

Restoring endodontically treated tooth with prefabricated post is a well accepted technique with a long history. This article reviews and classifies various prefabricated posts. Different types of prefabricated posts are available in the market now. These posts are different from each other in installation method, geometric form, surface configuration and material. Each type has it's own advantages and disadvantages. Previously, only metal prefabricated posts in different designs, shapes and surfaces were fabricated by manufacturers. With increasing demand for esthetic restorations, like all ceramic restorations and also for using bonding systems more and more, the need for nonmetallic posts is increased, pushing manufacturers to fabricate ceramic and fiber-reinforced resin posts. A dentist must know about characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of different post and choose the most suitable type for each case.