Which of the following statements about post systems for endodontically treated teeth is true?

The statement that roughening the post surface will improve retention is accurate because the surface characteristics of a post play a crucial role in its ability to bond with the surrounding materials, such as composite resin or cement. When the surface of a post is roughened, it increases the surface area available for mechanical interlocking and may also enhance the adhesive properties when bonding agents are used. This additional texture can create a more secure connection between the post and the dentin of the tooth, leading to improved retention.

In regard to the other statements, they each present concepts that have specific implications or considerations in clinical practice. Maintaining at least 2 mm of apical gutta percha is recommended to ensure that the apical seal is preserved, thereby preventing potential post-endodontic complications, rather than just focusing on maximizing post retention through size. Similarly, while it may seem logical that a larger post diameter would enhance retention, this must be balanced against the risk of weakening the remaining dentin structure, which could compromise the tooth's integrity. Lastly, the timing of post space preparation can influence clinical outcomes; for some protocols, immediate preparation could be preferred for better fit or less deformation of the root structure after endodontic treatment. However, delayed post space preparation can sometimes