Endodontics · single question
What is the best predictor of long-term survival of an endodontically treated tooth?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Full coronal (cuspal) coverage restoration
- A. Sealer choice has minimal effect on long-term survival compared with the restoration.
- B. Correct per the source and consistent with the literature. Timely placement of a definitive CORONAL RESTORATION with full cuspal coverage is the strongest predictor of survival for endodontically treated posterior teeth — it prevents cuspal fracture and coronal microleakage, the two dominant failure modes. A well-obturated tooth with a defective or absent coronal seal fails; the coronal seal matters as much as the apical one.
- C. Age is not a meaningful predictor of endodontic survival.
- D. Canal count is anatomy, not a prognostic variable, provided all canals are located and treated.