Postoperative expectation for a vital tooth after endodontic treatment most accurately describes which of the following?

• A. Tender to touch and biting; achy for up to 1 week.
• B. Most patients feel better after treatment.
• C. Swelling may develop if it hasn't already.
• D. May get worse before it gets better.

Answer: (A)

Postoperative experience after endodontic treatment on a vital tooth centers on a temporary inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues. The most accurate description is that the tooth feels tender to touch and when biting, with a dull ache that can last up to about a week. This soreness results from tissue irritation caused by instrumentation and cleaning, even though the pulp remains vital. Swelling isn’t guaranteed in uncomplicated cases, and while some patients may notice improvement sooner, the typical course is mild discomfort that gradually fades over several days. A scenario where pain temporarily worsens before getting better can occur, but it’s less common than the straightforward mild soreness described. If pain becomes severe, persists beyond a week, or is accompanied by swelling or fever, that would warrant reevaluation.