Pins (parapulpal pins) allow restoration of the tooth without removing the nerve

Parapulpal pins are structures in the form of threaded metal rods, cylindrical in shape from various metal alloys. They are designed to restore a decayed tooth with a large area of ​​the affected area, where it is necessary to carry out restoration work and to eliminate tooth retention.

Parapulpal pins or pins have been used since the 30s of the XX century and have a wide range of models for each individual case. All of them have a common quality: the pin size does not exceed 6 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter.

What are they used for

Pins are used most often when working with impaired growth and development of teeth during teething (retention). They are also used in solving problems with dentin and enamel, in cases where the prepared carious cavity is not too close to the tooth cavity. Used to strengthen filling materials in hard tissues.

What materials are they made of

Parapulpal pins are made of metals, covering them with polymer fiberglass, ceramic composite or carbon fiber materials.

The following metals are used for manufacturing:

• gold;
• palladium;
• platinum;
• brass;
• titanium;
• stainless steel;
• alloy of gold and titanium;
• alloy of gold and platinum;
• stainless steel coated with titanium nitrite;
• other alloys of these metals.

The choice depends on the patient's capabilities and desires, as well as on the recommendations of the dentist.

Features of application and indications for installation

The peculiarity of parapulpal pins is that they are installed in the hard tissues of the tooth without affecting the pulp.

When treating a patient, the dentist recommends the installation in such cases:

1. If broke away part (corner or cutting edge).
2. The tooth is significantly affected cariesbut the root and canals are healthy.
3. The patient suffers from non-carious defects: hypoplasia, erosion, abrasion enamels.
4. It is necessary to build up a part of the tooth to be installed on it crowns.
5. It is necessary to strengthen the thin wall.

Pins are not always installed, there is a list of contraindications:

• periodontal disease;
• root caries;
• blood diseases;
• pregnancy;
• mental illness;
• granuloma in the mouth or cyst;
• the wall of the tooth is less than 2 mm.

Some of the contraindications can be eliminated in a short time and the installation of pins can be carried out.

How dental pins are installed

1. Before installing the pin, the dentist performs a thorough examination of the patient's oral cavity. If problems are identified, he prescribes treatment, and after eliminating the diseases, he installs the pin.
2. The dentist will professionally clean the oral cavity to avoid bacteria getting under the filling material during the pin insertion procedure.
3. The tip of the pin is inserted into the wall of the tooth and in one of three ways (fixing with a filling material, hammering in with a dental hammer or screwing in) is fixed.
4. When the post is in place, it is secured with special high quality cement for a firm hold.
5. The cement is dried under a special lamp.
6. After the procedure, the dentist gives recommendations to the patient according to several rules: refuse to brush your teeth during the day, do not use dental floss, change the diet for 2-4 weeks in favor of soft food.

Advantages and disadvantages of technology

Like any technology, pins have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• makes it possible not to remove a diseased tooth;
• has been used without problems for over 10 years;
• install even with severely decayed teeth;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages:

• possible allergy to the materials of the pin;
• errors in installation or non-compliance with the recommendations after the procedure can cause caries and destruction of the crown;
• the load on the jaw is not distributed correctly - pins are made of metal;
• some types of pins are visible through the filling material.

Opinion of patients of dental clinics

Despite the fact that the technology is considered outdated, parapulpal posts are popular, as the result and quality of the procedure exceeds expectations.