My jaw will hardly open after wisdom tooth extraction,is this normal?

Question

Will it go away?

Answer 1

This is actually a normal post-operative occurance.  The symptom you are describing is called "Post-Operative Trismus" or "limited jaw opening" and is caused by the inflammation which is currently infltrating this area.  This will likely be the case for the next week or so, but then gradually diminish and get back to normal.  The medications which the doctor prescribed you most likely include some non-steroidal antiinflammatories such as Motrin or Difunisal.  I would take these the first couple of days just to help bring down the inflammation a bit.

Answer 2

Depends on how long ago you had the sugery.  I had all 4 of mine taken out at the same time, so they put me under.  I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything for the rest of the day, but I didn't care because I was in la-la land; I actually had to be carried to the car and according to my ex-father-in-law, I drooled all over the passenger seat belt (gross, I know).  Then, I wasn't allowed to drink anything from a straw, but I couldn't get my lips to work so I could drink from a cup.  My mouth was really sore, and I was too dazed to try to open my mouth for anything.

If it is the day after your surgery, after the meds have worn off, and you can't get your mouth to open, I would definately schedule an emergency follow-up.  It might just not be normal because of the surgeon prying open your mouth, but if it won't open, they might have actually dislocated your jaw.  Go back- they have to fix it free of charge.