Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

If a root is 16 mm, what is the minimum post length recommended?

1. 8 mm

2. 11 mm

3. 13 mm

4. 14 mm

The correct answer is: 11 mm

In determining the minimum post length recommended for a 16 mm root, it is essential to consider the principles of endodontic treatment and post placement. The general guideline suggests that the post should extend as far into the root canal as possible to achieve a stable support for the restoration while also ensuring adequate anchorage and retention. The recommended minimum post length is typically established as half the root length. Since the root in this case measures 16 mm, half of that would be 8 mm. However, clinical practices often allow for longer posts to improve retention and ensure that they take advantage of the most coronal portion of the root canal space, which has the highest concentration of dentin for support. The choice of 11 mm aligns well with clinical recommendations, allowing for a substantial post length that provides adequate support and engages enough dentin, while ensuring that the post does not interfere excessively with the adjacent anatomical structures. Although options beyond this length exist, choosing 11 mm adheres to the standard principles of achieving maximum retention and restoring function without compromising dental health.