Hard To Open Jaw After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people experience discomfort and pain when their wisdom teeth start to come in, and in some cases, they may need to be removed. While wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, it can cause some uncomfortable side effects, including difficulty opening your jaw.
Why do people have their wisdom teeth removed?
There are many reasons why people have their wisdom teeth removed. Some of these reasons include:
- The wisdom teeth are causing pain or discomfort
- The wisdom teeth are damaging adjacent teeth
- The wisdom teeth are causing gum disease or infection
- The wisdom teeth are causing a cyst or tumor in the jawbone
What happens during wisdom teeth removal?
During wisdom teeth removal, the dentist or oral surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If you're having all four wisdom teeth removed, you may be given general anesthesia to put you to sleep.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. They will then remove the tooth and stitch up the incision. The entire procedure usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
Why is it hard to open your jaw after wisdom teeth removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, it's common to experience swelling and discomfort in the jaw area. This swelling can make it difficult to open your mouth wide or chew solid foods. In addition, the muscles and tissues around your jaw may be sore and stiff, making it uncomfortable to move your jaw.
How can you relieve jaw stiffness after wisdom teeth removal?
If you're experiencing jaw stiffness after wisdom teeth removal, there are several things you can do to help relieve your discomfort:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Eat soft foods, such as soup, yogurt, or mashed potatoes, for the first few days after surgery
- Avoid crunchy or chewy foods that may irritate the surgical site
- Perform gentle jaw exercises, such as opening and closing your mouth or moving your jaw from side to side, to help improve range of motion
When should you see a dentist if you're having trouble opening your jaw?
If you're having trouble opening your jaw after wisdom teeth removal, it's important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon. While some degree of swelling and discomfort is normal after surgery, excessive swelling or stiffness may be a sign of infection or other complications. Your dentist or oral surgeon can examine your mouth and recommend appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
While it's common to experience some discomfort and stiffness after wisdom teeth removal, there are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms. By following your dentist or oral surgeon's post-operative instructions and taking good care of your mouth, you can speed up the healing process and get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.