Trismus, also known as lockjaw, occurs when the muscles used for chewing spasm, restricting the jaw’s opening. According to Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, it’s described as “a tonic contraction of the muscles of mastication.”
But is it normal to have lockjaw after removing wisdom teeth? It’s typical to struggle with mouth opening for a few days after wisdom teeth removal. However, if this difficulty persists beyond a certain point, it could signal a problem.
In this article, we will explore lockjaw following wisdom teeth extraction and what you can anticipate when facing this condition.
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It Is Normal to Have Trismus After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It’s usual to have some trouble fully opening your mouth after an extraction or oral surgery. However, this is generally anticipated only in the first couple of days. If you continue to have difficulty beyond this initial period, it could indicate an underlying problem.
How to test for trismus?
You can easily check for trismus by attempting to insert the width of three fingers into your mouth. If you can do this comfortably, your mouth opening is normal. However, if you find it challenging, you might be experiencing lockjaw issues.
How long does the trismus last after wisdom teeth removal?
After oral surgery, it’s typical to experience difficulty opening your mouth for about a week. However, if this issue persists beyond a week, it’s advisable to contact your dentist. This step ensures that the healing process is proceeding as expected.
How to Treat Trismus After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You can perform safe mouth and jaw exercises to speed up the healing process. These exercises aim to stimulate your jaw and muscles, reducing inflammation and enhancing mobility quickly.
According to WebMD, you can try the following exercises to alleviate stiffness and pain following oral surgery:
Massage your jaw muscles
Before attempting any other exercises, start by massaging your jaw muscles. Here’s how:
- Use your pointer and middle fingers.
- Place them on your cheekbone.
- Gently move them downward over your masseter muscle.
- Massage any areas that feel tender or tight.
Exercise your jaw, face, and neck muscles
After massaging your jaw muscles, it’s time to exercise them. Here are the steps:
- Open your mouth as wide as you can (hold for 5 seconds).
- Move your lower jaw to the left.
- Move your lower jaw to the right.
- Move your head up and down as if saying “yes” (repeat five times).
- Move your head from left to right as if saying “no” (repeat five times).
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