The answer to whether you can close your mouth after wisdom teeth removal is yes, but movement will be noticeably limited temporarily. Following the procedure, patients experience soreness, localized numbness from the anesthetic, and restricted movement. This limitation is a natural physiological response to the surgical trauma involved in extracting the teeth. While the jaw can close, opening it widely will be difficult and uncomfortable due to the immediate effects of the surgery.
Why Jaw Movement is Restricted Immediately After Surgery
The primary mechanical reason for immediate restriction is the gauze pad placed over the extraction site, which prevents full closure until it is removed. Biologically, the surgical process initiates an inflammatory cascade affecting surrounding tissues and muscles. This leads to immediate post-surgical swelling (edema), which physically restricts the space available for the jaw to move freely.
The trauma of the procedure, especially when removing impacted lower wisdom teeth, can directly affect nearby jaw-closing muscles, such as the masseter and temporalis. These muscles often react to surgical stress with protective tension or spasms, a reflex known as muscle guarding. This guarding mechanism limits the range of motion to prevent further tissue damage, contributing to the difficulty in opening the mouth wide. Additionally, the prolonged time the mouth is held open during extraction can cause muscle fatigue and micro-tears, exacerbating stiffness in the first 24 to 48 hours.
Managing Swelling and Stiffness (Trismus)
The restricted jaw movement persisting beyond the initial swelling phase is medically termed trismus. Trismus is a painful condition where the chewing muscles contract and become inflamed. Managing trismus and swelling requires specific protocols that change over the first few days of recovery. During the first 48 hours, apply cold packs to constrict blood vessels and limit swelling. Ice should be applied to the cheek area for cycles of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while awake.
After the initial 48- to 72-hour period, treatment shifts from cold to moist heat to address muscle stiffness. Warm compresses or heating pads applied to the cheek promote blood flow, which helps relax the contracted jaw muscles. This relaxation combats the muscle spasms associated with trismus. Taking prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, works synergistically with heat therapy by reducing the inflammation that drives muscle stiffness.
To prevent temporary restriction from becoming a long-term issue, gentle jaw exercises should begin around day three or four, once peak swelling has subsided. These exercises involve opening the mouth slowly until a mild stretch is felt, holding the position briefly, and then gently closing. Avoid forcing the movement or pushing through sharp pain, as this can cause further injury. Consistent, gentle stretching helps gradually restore muscle fibers to their normal length and function.
Timeline for Returning to Normal Jaw Function
The most significant limitations in jaw function, including peak swelling and stiffness, occur between day one and day three following surgery. During this time, the mouth opening may be reduced to less than 20 millimeters, making it difficult to eat anything but soft, liquid foods. Noticeable improvement in the ability to open the mouth usually begins around day four.
By the end of the first week (day four to day seven), stiffness begins to ease, and patients should be able to open their mouths slightly wider, allowing for a more varied diet. Most patients find that trismus resolves significantly within 7 to 10 days, with near-normal jaw function returning within two weeks. Slight stiffness may linger for a few additional weeks, especially after complex extractions. If jaw stiffness worsens after day five, or if the mouth opening remains severely restricted for more than two weeks, consult the oral surgeon to rule out complications.