Core Buildup

A core buildup is used when loss of coronal tooth tissue leaves too little structure for the planned fixed prosthesis to retain. Root-filled teeth and teeth with larger access cavities may need protection against fracture under occlusal load.

Core buildup restores missing coronal tooth structure before a fixed prosthesis. Preserving the remaining tooth tissue matters because fracture resistance is affected by the tooth structure left above the future crown margin.

A randomized trial found an overall 8 percent failure rate before the fixed prosthesis was incorporated. The remaining tooth structure, including a ferrule of 1 to 2 mm, affects fracture resistance.

The studied sequence placed the fixed dental prosthesis after a mean interval of 12.2 weeks, and the trial measured failures before that prosthesis was incorporated. This interval is a study sequence, not a promised lifetime for the buildup.

Missing coronal structure is rebuilt with a core material, with pins included where the D2950 descriptor applies. The rebuilt tooth is then incorporated into a fixed prosthesis.

The studied sequence moved from core buildup to fixed prosthesis over a mean of 12.2 weeks. During that interval, early failure was assessed before the permanent prosthesis became part of the tooth's restoration.

For posterior teeth with minimal access cavities, composite resin may be used. Larger access cavities and greater coronal loss may call for amalgam or composite with a resin bonding system, while larger defects may need protection from fracture.

Material selection is only one part of fracture resistance. A 1 to 2 mm ferrule of tooth tissue above the crown finish line is reported as more important than the type of core or post material. The buildup's job is to replace missing coronal structure so the fixed prosthesis has tooth structure to retain.

A core buildup quote should identify the rebuilding procedure, any pins included under the D2950 descriptor and the fixed prosthesis planned after the buildup.