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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Difficulty In Opening Mouth Post Jaw Injury?

I got hit in the jaw by a softball last week. It didn t hurt the impact side very bad, but shifted the joint when it happened. It cracked and popped and hurt, but was fairly normal after that. However, every day since it has gotten worse. A week later and I am finding it hard to open my mouth all the way and experience pain when I move it past where it s easy to open to. What s going on?
Wed, 3 Jun 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear ,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern.

Thanks for your query . Some times the capsule or ligament of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) get loosen with blow which makes TMJ prone to dislocation . Thats what happen in your case and you TMJ get dislocated which is the reason for inability to open the mouth .

After treatment follow the instruction given by doctor carefully like do not yawn with mouth wide open and do not shout or sing loudly . Restrict moment for few day as instructed by doctor.

I would suggest you to consult oral surgeon for proper examination anf to rule out the causes like jaw fracture ( less probability). Doctor may correct the koint under local anesthesia or muscle relaxant depending upon the severity of the condition .

Yuo should not ignore it otherwise structures related to joit become permanent loose and make this happen frequently .

For now you should tie a bandage around jaw and head so that it can not move , do not try to eat or move your jaw , take soft diet or liquid diet.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Difficulty In Opening Mouth Post Jaw Injury?

Hi Dear , Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. Thanks for your query . Some times the capsule or ligament of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) get loosen with blow which makes TMJ prone to dislocation . Thats what happen in your case and you TMJ get dislocated which is the reason for inability to open the mouth . After treatment follow the instruction given by doctor carefully like do not yawn with mouth wide open and do not shout or sing loudly . Restrict moment for few day as instructed by doctor. I would suggest you to consult oral surgeon for proper examination anf to rule out the causes like jaw fracture ( less probability). Doctor may correct the koint under local anesthesia or muscle relaxant depending upon the severity of the condition . Yuo should not ignore it otherwise structures related to joit become permanent loose and make this happen frequently . For now you should tie a bandage around jaw and head so that it can not move , do not try to eat or move your jaw , take soft diet or liquid diet. Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari