Trismus is difficulty opening the mouth fully, a common, though usually temporary, side effect after wisdom teeth removal. This limited jaw movement can interfere with daily activities like eating and speaking, and often causes discomfort.
Understanding Trismus After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Trismus typically involves a spasm or inflammation of the chewing muscles. When wisdom teeth are extracted, especially lower ones, the surrounding tissues and muscles can experience trauma. This trauma can result from the jaw being held open for an extended period, or from inflammation and swelling in the surgical area. The anesthesia needle can also inadvertently cause minor muscle damage. The body’s natural response to this irritation is to protect the area, leading to muscle tightening and restricted jaw movement.
Typical Duration of Trismus
For most people, trismus after wisdom teeth removal is a temporary condition. Tightness and discomfort typically improve significantly within a few days to about a week following extraction. A marked improvement in mouth opening is usually observed within the first 3 to 5 days. In most cases, the condition completely subsides within two weeks.
Factors Influencing Trismus Recovery
The duration and severity of trismus vary depending on several factors related to the extraction and individual healing. Complex wisdom tooth removal, especially for impacted teeth, often requires more manipulation, leading to greater trauma to surrounding muscles. Post-operative swelling and inflammation also directly affect jaw mobility. Individual healing rates differ from person to person, influencing how quickly muscles recover. Complications like infection or a dry socket can prolong trismus.
Managing Trismus and When to Seek Help
To alleviate trismus at home, gentle jaw exercises can be beneficial. Slowly and carefully opening and closing your mouth, or moving your jaw from side to side, can help stretch muscles and improve mobility. Applying warm compresses to the affected jaw area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, can relax muscles and promote blood flow. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, can manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. Maintaining a soft diet prevents excessive strain on your jaw while it heals.
It is important to contact your oral surgeon or dentist if trismus worsens, you experience complete inability to open your mouth, or you develop signs of infection such as fever, pus, or increasing swelling. You should also seek professional advice if trismus persists significantly longer than the typical timeframe, for example, if it lasts more than two weeks without noticeable improvement.