What is the typical healing time for bone after root canal treatment?

• A. Up to 3 months
• B. Up to 6 months
• C. Up to 1 year
• D. Bone heals immediately

Answer: (C)

The typical healing time for bone after root canal treatment is generally considered to be up to 6 months, with complete healing potentially taking longer, around 1 year. Healing involves several biological processes, including revascularization, bone remodeling, and the deposition of new bone tissue. After a root canal, the inflammation and infection in the periapical region may take time to resolve, and bone regeneration occurs gradually.

Many factors can influence the healing period, such as the extent of the infection prior to treatment, the patient's overall health, and whether any complications arise. It’s also important to consider that while some signs of healing may appear earlier, the complete restoration of bone density and structure can take time, which is why a timeline extending up to a year is often cited in clinical literature.