Jaw stiffness, often called trismus, is a common and expected experience after wisdom teeth removal. This sensation can range from a mild tightness to a more noticeable limitation in opening your mouth, and it is a natural part of the body’s healing process. While it can make simple actions like eating or speaking feel challenging, this stiffness generally resolves as the surgical site heals.
Typical Duration of Jaw Stiffness
The duration of jaw stiffness after wisdom teeth removal varies, but most people experience significant improvement within the first week. Stiffness typically peaks around 48 to 72 hours post-surgery, gradually lessening. For many, the sensation of tightness and soreness begins to subside within three to five days.
While intense stiffness usually resolves quickly, some mild discomfort or limited jaw movement can linger for up to two weeks. Full restoration of jaw function is often achieved by the end of the second or third week. Factors like extraction complexity and individual healing rates can influence this timeline.
Understanding the Causes of Stiffness
Jaw stiffness after wisdom teeth extraction primarily results from the body’s natural response to surgical trauma. The procedure involves manipulating the jaw and surrounding tissues, which can lead to inflammation and swelling in the muscles used for chewing. This swelling puts pressure on jaw muscles and joints, making it harder to move the mouth freely.
Strain from keeping the mouth open for an extended period during surgery is another contributing factor. This can cause muscle fatigue and soreness, similar to how other muscles feel after intense exertion. Bruising around the extraction site can also contribute to stiffness. Rarely, nerve irritation or damage during the procedure can lead to jaw tightness or soreness.
Effective Strategies for Relief
Managing jaw stiffness after wisdom teeth removal involves several practical strategies to promote comfort and healing. Applying ice packs to the outside of the face for the first 24 to 48 hours can help reduce swelling and numb the area, easing discomfort. After this initial period, switching to warm compresses can be beneficial, as heat helps relax tense jaw muscles and increases blood flow to the area, which supports healing.
Gentle jaw exercises, once approved by your dentist or oral surgeon, can help restore mobility and reduce stiffness. These might include slowly opening and closing the mouth or moving the jaw side to side. It is important to begin these movements cautiously to avoid overstraining the healing tissues.
Maintaining a soft food diet is also important, as it minimizes chewing and reduces strain on the recovering jaw muscles. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and pureed soups are often recommended. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can also help manage pain and inflammation, and prescribed medications should be taken as directed.
When to Consult Your Dentist
While some jaw stiffness is expected, certain symptoms warrant immediate consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. If your pain intensifies or persists beyond the typical recovery period of five to seven days, or if it does not improve with medication, it could indicate a complication. Increasing or spreading swelling, particularly if accompanied by warmth or redness, is another sign that needs professional evaluation.
Other concerning symptoms include a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), especially if it lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours, or if accompanied by chills or body aches. The presence of pus or unusual discharge from the extraction site, a foul odor, or a persistent bad taste in your mouth are also indicators of a potential infection. Difficulty swallowing or breathing, or numbness that does not improve, are serious signs requiring immediate medical attention.