Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure. Jaw stiffness is an expected post-operative experience that can be concerning if unprepared. This article clarifies why it occurs and provides guidance on managing this symptom.
Understanding Post-Operative Jaw Stiffness
Jaw stiffness after wisdom teeth removal is medically referred to as trismus, a temporary limitation in the ability to open your mouth fully. This restriction in jaw movement is a frequent and anticipated aspect of the healing process, and it is usually not indicative of a serious underlying issue. Trismus can make it challenging to perform actions like speaking, eating, or even yawning.
Stiffness typically begins to reduce within the first week after surgery. Most individuals notice significant improvement in jaw mobility by the end of the second or third week, allowing for a comfortable return to usual routines. The duration can vary based on individual healing rates and the complexity of the extraction.
Causes of Jaw Stiffness
Several factors contribute to jaw stiffness following wisdom teeth extraction. One primary reason is muscle spasm and inflammation. The jaw muscles can become irritated or go into spasm due to being held open for an extended period during the surgical procedure. The surgical site itself also experiences inflammation as part of the body’s natural healing response, which can extend to the surrounding muscles and tissues.
Swelling is another common cause of restricted jaw movement. Normal post-operative swelling in the areas around the extracted wisdom teeth can put pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, making it difficult to move the mouth freely. This swelling typically peaks within 48 to 72 hours after surgery. The surgical process can also cause temporary irritation or trauma to the surrounding tissues, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. Excessive force during extraction can also contribute to this trauma.
In rare instances, temporary nerve irritation can play a role in jaw stiffness. If these nerves are irritated or mildly injured during the extraction, it can affect muscle function and contribute to a feeling of tightness or restricted movement. This nerve irritation usually resolves on its own over a few weeks to months.
Alleviating Jaw Stiffness at Home
Gentle jaw exercises and stretches are often recommended to improve mobility. You can start by slowly opening and closing your mouth, and carefully moving your jaw from side to side, ensuring not to force any movements that cause pain. These exercises can be performed multiple times a day.
Applying warm compresses to the jaw area can help relax tense muscles and increase blood flow, which aids in reducing stiffness and promoting healing. After the initial 24 to 48 hours, you can switch to warm compresses. Use a heating pad or a warm, damp washcloth for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation associated with jaw stiffness. Ibuprofen is particularly effective for pain accompanied by swelling. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your dentist or surgeon.
Eating soft foods also helps avoid straining the jaw muscles during the initial healing period. Recommended foods include soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies, which require minimal chewing. Resting and staying hydrated support the body’s overall healing process.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While jaw stiffness is a common post-operative symptom, certain signs indicate that you should contact your oral surgeon or dentist. If your pain or stiffness increases after the initial few days, rather than gradually improving, it could signal a complication. This includes severe pain that is not relieved by prescribed medications.
You should also seek professional advice if you experience an inability to open your mouth at all, or if your mouth opening remains severely limited after the first week. Signs of infection warrant immediate attention, such as a fever, pus discharge from the extraction site, severe swelling that worsens after 72 hours, or persistent bad breath.
Additionally, persistent numbness or tingling in your lip, chin, or tongue that lasts beyond 24 to 48 hours should be evaluated as it may indicate nerve involvement. Any new, severe, or concerning symptoms should prompt a call to your dental professional.