How long does it normally take for a periapical radiolucency to heal?

• A. 1 month
• B. 3 months
• C. 6 months
• D. 1-2 years

Answer: (C)

After endodontic treatment, the inflammatory tissue at the periapex begins to resolve and new bone starts to fill the defect. Bone remodeling is a gradual process, so radiographic healing lags behind what you might see clinically. In most cases you’ll have radiographic evidence of healing around six months. Some lesions that are small may improve sooner, while larger lesions can take longer and may need up to a year or more. So, six months is the typical reference point for normal healing on radiographs, with longer follow-up used if healing isn’t complete or if symptoms persist.