Failing root treatment under post and core supported crowns need not be surgically corrected with a poor statistical prognosis (less than 40%).  The post core and crown complex can easily be removed and retreated.

Post removal can be removed atraumatically, without compromising the root wall width and thus retain the root strength.  

Posts can be removed from within crowns so that the crown can be retained before retreatment is initiated.  Note the demonstration of the lateral canal in the distal root and convergence of the mesial canals.

Retreatment should always be considered the first choice before the patient is referred for an apicoectomy procedure.  If the tooth has a post (it does not matter which kind of post and which tooth it is) it can easily be removed atraumatically and with very little root destruction. Ugly metal posts in the anterior smile region can be replaced with an aesthetically pleasing tooth coloured post and core.  I prepare the core for my referring dentists so that they have only a little to refine for the final impressions.