Paper points are measured ___ mm shorter than the working length?

Paper points are measured ___ mm shorter than the working length?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

Paper points are trimmed to a length about 3 mm shorter than the working length. This places the point well inside the canal to absorb moisture and assess dryness, but keeps it short of the apical constriction so it won’t extend beyond the apex. The 3 mm margin helps account for slight measurement variability and the fact that the apical constriction is typically a bit coronal to the radiographic apex, providing a safe, reliable distance for accurate drying before obturation.

Paper points are trimmed to a length about 3 mm shorter than the working length. This places the point well inside the canal to absorb moisture and assess dryness, but keeps it short of the apical constriction so it won’t extend beyond the apex. The 3 mm margin helps account for slight measurement variability and the fact that the apical constriction is typically a bit coronal to the radiographic apex, providing a safe, reliable distance for accurate drying before obturation.