After a wisdom tooth is removed, many people can only open the mouth partly and it hurts to open wide. This is quite common and usually eases.
- Trouble opening the mouth after wisdom tooth removal comes from swelling and tight chewing muscles and is fairly common.
- It usually eases after a few days and the mouth opens normally again in about one to two weeks.
- Use cold packs for the first two days, then gentle warmth and gentle opening exercises a little at a time.
- Being unable to open the mouth, a worsening stiff jaw, fever or a bad smell is a reason to return for a check.
After wisdom tooth removal, especially a lower wisdom tooth, many people find they can only open the mouth partly compared with normal, and opening wide hurts and the jaw feels stiff. This is called trismus after extraction, it is fairly common, and most cases ease by themselves.
Why does the jaw become stiff?
Lower wisdom teeth sit close to the chewing muscles. After removal the area swells and the muscles tighten as a protective response, which limits how far you can open. If the extraction was complex, or the gum had to be opened, or the mouth was open for a long time during the procedure, this may be more marked. Swelling usually peaks around the second day and then eases, see how long cheek swelling lasts after wisdom tooth removal.
How long does it last?
Usually the difficulty opening eases after a few days as swelling goes down, and the mouth opens normally again in about one to two weeks. The exact time differs with the difficulty of the extraction and with each person.
What can you do to feel better?
- In the first two days apply a cold pack outside the cheek to reduce swelling.
- After about two days you may apply gentle warmth outside the cheek so the muscles relax.
- Practise opening gently, a little at a time, and do not force the mouth wide while it hurts.
- Eat soft food cut into small pieces and avoid chewy hard food, see what to eat after a tooth extraction.
- Keep the mouth gently clean and drink enough water.
When should you return for a check?
Return if you cannot open the mouth at all, if the stiffness gets worse after three to four days, if swelling and pain grow, or if there is fever, a bad smell or taste, or trouble swallowing. See also what a dry socket is and how long after wisdom tooth removal you can return to work.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can check you and advise.
Frequently asked questions
Is trouble opening the mouth after wisdom tooth removal normal?
It is fairly common, especially after lower wisdom tooth removal. It usually eases after a few days and the mouth opens normally again within one to two weeks.
When should I use warmth after wisdom tooth removal?
Use a cold pack in the first two days to reduce swelling. After about two days you may apply gentle warmth outside the cheek so the muscles relax.
When should I return if my jaw is stiff?
If you cannot open the mouth, the stiffness worsens after three to four days, swelling and pain grow, or there is fever, a bad smell or trouble swallowing.