Widsom Teeth Extraction -persisting pain 6months post op

[dressler_aus]

In January 2010, over 7 months ago I had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted. Aside from the usual post op pain, swelling etc the healing process seemed finished within 2 weeks. However jaw stiffness and some pain persisted in my lower left jaw. I put this down to the tooth in this area being impacted.

3 months after the surgery I could still barely open my mouth wide enough to yawn without it feeling incredibly stiff and sore and so returned to the surgeon. He said I had sprained the jaw muscles and precribed a month of anti-inflammatory medication.

6 months after the surgery and after using a heat pack throughout the day and whilst sleeping. And my jaw is still really sore and stiff. What has gone wrong?? Have I torn a muscle? Or has a bone been fractured?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

You may want to ask this question in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery section. There's an oral surgeon there who can probably answer the question better than I can.  

Yes, usually after 6 months, the pain should be gone and the stiffness should be gone as well.  Have you gone back to let him know there's been no improvement?  You may need to get your TMJ evaluated I imagine.

[dressler_aus]

Thank you Jerone,

I think I will go back to the surgeon. Wasn't sure if I just hadn't given it enough time and might be over-reacting.

Cheers!