The difficulty opening your mouth after wisdom teeth removal is a common side effect known medically as trismus. This condition is not a complication but a predictable, protective reaction to surgical trauma. It is normal to feel limited jaw movement immediately following the procedure. This stiffness immobilizes the area to facilitate the initial stages of healing.
The Physical Cause of Limited Jaw Opening
The primary restriction in jaw movement stems from the body’s inflammatory response, which directly affects the muscles of mastication. An extraction, especially of impacted lower wisdom teeth, involves significant manipulation of the jawbone and surrounding soft tissues. This surgical trauma triggers inflammation, leading to swelling that physically limits the space available for the jaw to move.
The muscles responsible for closing the jaw, particularly the masseter and temporalis muscles, run near the surgical site and are often irritated during the procedure. This irritation can cause them to involuntarily tighten or go into spasm, a condition known as myositis. These muscles act like a natural splint, contracting to guard the area against further injury. This results in the stiffness felt when attempting to open the mouth widely.
The extended period the jaw is held open during extraction, or the injection of local anesthesia near the muscle tissue, can contribute to muscle tension. When muscles are traumatized, they shorten and become sore. Attempting to stretch them, such as opening your mouth, becomes painful and difficult. This combination of swelling and muscle spasm is the physiological reason for restricted jaw opening.
Safe Steps for Improving Jaw Movement
The goal of post-operative care is to gently encourage the jaw muscles to relax and lengthen without risking injury. The application of moist heat is an effective way to begin this process. Start applying heat two to three days after surgery when the initial swelling has peaked. Applying a warm compress to the cheek and jaw for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day helps increase blood flow and relax tightened muscles.
Once initial pain is controlled, begin very careful, gentle stretching exercises to restore full range of motion. A simple exercise involves opening your mouth as wide as is comfortable, holding the stretch for five to ten seconds, and slowly closing it. Perform these movements slowly and deliberately. Stop immediately if they cause sharp pain, as forcing the jaw can be counterproductive.
Passive stretching can be introduced by placing one or two clean fingers between your upper and lower front teeth and gently increasing the opening. Only stretch to the point of mild tension, not discomfort. Following your surgeon’s instructions for prescribed pain or anti-inflammatory medication is important. Reducing discomfort allows the muscles to naturally relax their protective guarding mechanism, aiding movement recovery.
Expected Recovery Timeline and When to Call the Doctor
Trismus is most noticeable during the first two to three days following surgery, coinciding with peak swelling and muscle soreness. As inflammation subsides, usually by day four or five, patients should notice gradual improvement in their ability to open their mouth. Significant improvement occurs within one week for most individuals. Near-normal jaw mobility typically returns within seven to ten days of the procedure.
While a minor degree of residual stiffness may linger for a few weeks, the restricted opening should consistently improve each day. Contact your oral surgeon if you experience signs that may indicate a developing complication. These red flags include a complete inability to open your mouth, or if jaw movement becomes increasingly restricted after the fifth day post-surgery.
Immediate professional attention is necessary if limited movement is accompanied by a persistent fever. Also seek attention if you have increasing pain not managed by prescribed medication, or a foul odor or discharge from the surgical site. These symptoms could suggest an infection or complication that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.