Post removal can generally be accomplished in anterior teeth by using a post extractor such as the Eggler post remover. The first part of the procedure with this extractor involves shaping the core to accept the jaws. After gripping the core the feet of the Eggler post remover can be placed on the shoulder of the preparation. In the event of an uneven shoulder an instrument may be placed in between one of the feet and the shoulder to enable the force of withdrawal to be applied along the long axis of the tooth. The knurled knob screws the jaws together and the wing nut advances the feet which impart an apical force on the root face so that the instrument's jaws and the post are drawn coronally.
Sometimes a pair of extraction forceps can be used to grasp a post requiring removal but care is necessary that excessive force does not result in fracture or extraction of the tooth. Ultrasonic vibration from a scaling tip or the head of an endosonic driver may be used to try to break the cement seal. Unfortunately, the Eggler post remover cannot be used on a correctly fitted threated post, although these may occasionally be unscrewed if the cement lute has failed.