Difficulty closing your mouth after having your wisdom teeth removed is a very common post-operative side effect. This sensation, which limits your ability to open and close your jaw normally, is known medically as trismus. It is an expected consequence of the surgery and is almost always a temporary condition that resolves completely with proper care. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help ease any anxiety during your recovery.
Why Closing Your Mouth Feels Difficult
The primary reason for limited jaw movement is a protective muscle spasm in the muscles used for chewing. These muscles, particularly the large masseter and temporalis muscles, become inflamed and tighten in response to the surgical trauma. The surgical procedure often requires the jaw to be held open for an extended period, which strains these muscles and triggers the spasm. Inflammation and swelling in the surrounding tissues also contribute to the limited mobility, physically restricting the movement of the jaw joint and surrounding soft tissues. The degree of trismus is often greater following a more complex extraction, such as those involving impacted lower wisdom teeth, due to the increased manipulation of the jawbone.
The Recovery Timeline for Jaw Movement
Jaw stiffness usually becomes most noticeable around the second or third day following the procedure, coinciding with the maximum post-surgical swelling. During this period, patients commonly find it challenging to comfortably fit more than one or two fingers between their upper and lower teeth. Significant improvement in the ability to open and close the mouth should begin shortly after this peak swelling subsides. By day five to seven, most patients report a noticeable return of functional jaw movement. Full, unrestricted jaw function typically returns within two weeks of the surgery, though a slight residual stiffness may linger briefly.
Managing Stiffness and Improving Jaw Function
Active management is necessary to reduce stiffness and prevent the trismus from becoming a prolonged issue. In the first 48 hours, cold therapy is recommended to minimize swelling and inflammation. Following the initial two days, switching to gentle moist heat can help relax the spasming muscles. Applying a warm, moist compress to the cheek area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day promotes muscle relaxation and blood flow. Taking prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) helps manage both pain and the inflammation that causes the stiffness.
Once the severe pain subsides, usually around day three, begin very gentle jaw exercises to restore mobility. These exercises should start with slow, controlled movements, such as cautiously opening the mouth as wide as possible without causing sharp pain and holding the stretch briefly. Simply practicing a simulated yawn can also gently stretch the tightened muscles. Massaging the tender muscles on the cheek and temple areas in a circular motion helps release tension and improve blood circulation. Throughout the recovery process, consuming a strictly soft and non-chewy diet is important to avoid placing undue strain on the healing jaw and muscles.
Signs of Complications Requiring a Dentist Visit
While trismus is normal, certain signs suggest the stiffness may be related to a complication that requires professional attention. You should contact your oral surgeon if the difficulty opening your mouth does not begin to improve after five to seven days or if it suddenly worsens. An inability to open your mouth at all after the initial recovery period is a significant concern. Other red flags include:
- Severe or worsening pain that is not relieved by your prescribed pain medication.
- A fever, which can signal an infection.
- A persistent foul taste and odor in your mouth that suggests a dry socket or an infection at the surgical site.
- New or persistent clicking, popping, or locking in the jaw joint, requiring a follow-up appointment to assess the temporomandibular joint.