Dental Assistant Practice Exam

How long does it typically take for Aphthous Ulcers/Canker Sores to heal?

1. 1-3 days

2. 3-5 days

3. 5-7 days

4. 7-10 days

The correct answer is: 7-10 days

Aphthous ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, typically take around 7 to 10 days to heal. These painful lesions often appear on the soft tissues of the mouth and can be triggered by various factors such as stress, certain foods, or underlying health issues. During the healing process, the ulcer may progress through different stages, including inflammation, tissue repair, and re-epithelialization. Most canker sores will begin to diminish in pain and size as they approach the end of this healing period. While minor sores might start to feel better within a week, the full resolution usually occurs closer to the 10-day mark, which emphasizes the importance of adequate care and patience during this time for proper healing. The healing times that may be less than this timeframe do not account for the typical progression seen in the majority of cases, where a full week is quite standard before significant improvement is noted.