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Lockjaw after tooth surgery
I had a wisdom tooth extraction more than 3 weeks ago. My jaw movement is really restricted. Consulted my dentist, she recommended muscle relaxants and mouth exercises of putting 3 fingers. I can barely tear my mouth open to 2 fingers. What should I do? The jaw movement is painful and annoying.
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Exercises should have started earlier.Improvement could be gradual
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Rule out trismus condition
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Ideal age for impaction 20+ years to about 30 years age.Later age bone elasticity decreases
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Do warm water gargles two to three times in a day.
Do warm application from out side too.
This will help you in relaxing your muscles.
Imeediately after this put icecream sticks in your mouth whatever maximum mumber possible.
Then insert few more sticks between previous one,one after another.
Do it for few days two to three times in a day
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Jaw movement restriction can happen after the extraction.This may last for few days to few weeks.
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Heat packs can be used for compression for 20 mins on and then 30 mins off.Hot moist towels can be used for the same.Physiotherapy is a must.Muscle relaxant and anti inflammatory drugs can be used.
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Visit your dentist
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If u would had opened ur mouth after 24hrs of extraction there wont have been any problem
Now jus take Muscle relaxant
Heat application
And Mouth opening exercise
It ll open again
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Dr. Priyam Ghoda
Dental Surgeon
10 yrs exp
Junagadh
this is due to muscle spasm due to inflammation of muscles responsible for opening and closing mouth. in addition to muscle relaxants, you should gargle with warm water to reduce inflammation in muscles and mouth opening execises.
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if not relieved, you should consult a physiotherapist for muscle relaxation shakes.
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Dr. Babita Sangwan
Dental Surgeon
22 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Stiffness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for few days post surgery. But as you said its already 3 weeks..now you have to take proper care , take medicines amd do exercises.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.