Jaw pain after root canal

About 10 days ago I had a root canal done on my left lower last molar.  My dentists have always commented that I have a very small mouth.  She used a prop device placed on the right side but for much of the procedure asked me to open wider since she had to get way into the back.  The root canal procedure went well but since then I have had alot of pain in my jaw joint (actually on the upper jaw) and difficulty opening my mouth very wide.  Then three days ago, I had to go back for a final check during which time she put a permanent filling into the crown....so again she needed my mouth to be very wide open.  The pain doesn't seem to be getting any better.  I find it very hard to yawn, cough (I have developed a very bad cold) or even eat very well.  I've tried warm compresses and Motrin.  I don't know what else to do.  Suggestions?  Concerns about this?  Thanks!

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It sounds like your TMJ area has been effected temporarily by the need to open so wide. I would take Advil at this point. Avoid causing any pain by opening to wide--baby it at this time.I would give it about a month to calm down, if it doesn't then I think you need to see a doctor that specializes in this area.

[Playstennis]

Thanks for your quick reply.  I just had visions of never being able to open my mouth correctly again!!!

[mike1105]

spounds like jaw musclulature, which is intricate and delicate. advil, massage, stretch, just like any other painful muscle. you csan also madssage inside your mouth where it is sore.

[Twan88]

A related discussion, Jaw pain and pain when opening my mouth was started.