INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

How long should a sinus tract heal after conventional RCT?

1. 1-2 weeks

2. 2-4 weeks

3. 5-6 weeks

4. 6-8 weeks

The correct answer is: 2-4 weeks

A sinus tract is an abnormal pathway between an infected area and the skin's surface. In the context of a root canal treatment (RCT), a sinus tract can develop due to persistent infection in the tooth and its surrounding tissues. This infection can cause tissue damage and result in the formation of a channel, which can sometimes be seen as a pimple or a small opening on the gums near the tooth. The healing time of a sinus tract depends on the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of the RCT. In general, after a conventional RCT, the sinus tract should heal within 2-4 weeks. Option A (1-2 weeks) is too short of a healing time, as the infection and tissue damage may still be present. Option D (6-8 weeks) is too long, as an untreated infection can worsen and cause further complications within that time frame. Option C (5-6 weeks) is also a possible healing time, but it is not the most commonly seen range for sinus tract healing after conventional RCT. Therefore, the most accurate answer is B (2-4 weeks).