Why is my jaw muscles stiff after wisdom tooth removed?

Answer 1

I just had my wisdom teeth removed last week.. and yes my jaw was stiff and is still not totally back to normal. I still don't eat everything and properly from that side. and i think this is normal... it should be fine in awhile though.. you should try using it slowly!

ONE MORE ANSWER

Apparently you are supposed to exercise your jaw after wisdom tooth removal. I was having the same problem and after 1 and 1/2 weeks from the surgery I was only able to open my mouth half as far as it's supposed to open. Upon visiting the dentist I had been told to use moist heat on my jaw and use my thumb and pointer finger to gently push my mouth apart to re-extend the jaw muscles. I was also told to sing 'Old McDonald' Silly as it sounds that works every muscle in your jaw. I was told if i was not able to open my mouth to 50 cm in one week therapy be necessary because it could become TMJ.

-There is no way they told you to open your jaw 50cm wide. That is roughly around 19 inches, meaning bigger than a ruler. That is probably as big as your whole head. Your mouth would consume your FACE. So, what exactly did they tell you? because there is no way it was 50 cm. -Librarykid18

ANOTHER ANSWER
YOUR JAW will be stiff and possibly swollen, and it is very important to look in your mouth with a flashlight to make sure it is not bright red and VERY sore. That could be a sign of infection that needs immediate attention from your dentist. <<>>

Answer
Gargle salt/warm water 3 - 4 times a day and spit out (DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH OUT!) The salt helps heal and also toughens the gums. To this day I brush my teeth, then gargle with salt and warm water and although I have had to have some work done on my teeth I'm 65 and my dentist asked me how I was able to maintain such healthy gums. It's gotta be the salt!

Answer 2

That may be caused from the dentist having to force your jaw open during the extraction. My wisdom teeth are large and placed farther back inside my mouth so when I had my top two removed I was stiff and sore from having my jaw held wide open.

Tomorrow I am having my horribly impacted horizontal bottom ones removed. I'm going to have a very sore jaw afterwards due to them having to shave down my jaw bone(while cutting back my gums..) to get better access to my teeth.