The Role of Root Canal Treatment in Alleviating Endodontic Pain-Induced Asymmetry and Restoring Muscle Balance

Inclusion Criteria * Patients with masticatory laterality due to tooth pain for at least 30 days * First and second maxillary or mandibular molars with acute apical periodontitis due to deep caries * Teeth with moderate or severe pain according to the VAS (no pain (0 mm), mild pain (1-3 mm), moderate pain (4-6 mm), and severe pain (7-10 mm)) * Teeth that responded positively to percussion test * Teeth without periapical pathosis were included in the study. Exclusion Criteria * Systemic conditions affecting muscle structure or function, such as neuromuscular or endocrine disorders. * Non-endodontic odontogenic pain. * Prior endodontic treatment of the relevant tooth within the last 30 days. * History of trauma or surgery to the head, face, or teeth within the last six months. * Severe communication disorders or psychological issues. * Inability to complete treatment in a single visit due to exudation or bleeding * Patients with masticatory laterality due to missing tooth on any side of the dental arch * Patients who have painful teeth in opposite sides of the dental arch * TMD patients were excluded from the study.