Post Function in Endodontics — NDEB AFK MCQ

Correct answer: D — To retain the core material

The primary purpose of a post is to retain the core material in an endodontically treated tooth with insufficient remaining coronal tooth structure to support a core and crown independently. A common misconception is that posts reinforce the root — they do not. In fact, post preparation weakens the root by removing dentin from the canal walls. The ferrule effect (circumferential dentin engagement by the crown) is far more important than the post itself for fracture resistance.

Reference: Shillingburg – Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics, 4th ed., 2012