Sore Jaw (TMJ)
A sore jaw is not common after treatment, but occasionally it does occur. It is more likely to happen if someone has tight musculature, a small opening, a particularly long procedure, some arthritic conditions or a history of jaw sensitivity.
A sore jaw is like having a strained ankle — it is best to favor it. Change your diet to include mainly soft foods. Do not move it around trying to see if the pain is still there. Persistent checking will continue to irritate it. Try to restrict your jaw’s range of motion by not opening too wide. For example, try to yawn without opening wide and cut foods into smaller pieces. Take approximately 600 mg of an anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) up to three times a day. It is also helpful to frequently apply warm, moist compresses to the area. Avoid gum chewing, ice chewing, biting finger nails and anything else that could be taxing to the jaw.
If the situation does not resolve, please call our office at 978-692-6326. At My Smile Care, our dentists in Westford, Massachusetts, will complete an examination of your teeth, jaws and other musculature. Dr. Dheeraj Pamidimukkala and Dr. Deepak Shinde will work to help determine the source of your pain.