Jaw stiffness after fillings?

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

Is this normal?

I had two fillings yesterday, and my jaw really started hurting after the feeling came back.

Now I can't open my mouth wide enough to take a bite out of a sandwich. I don't know if it's stiffness from the shots the dentist gave me or if I might have gotten my jaw injured.

OBVIOUSLY, I will go back to the dentist tomorrow if range of motion doesn't return...but I'm wondering if any of you have had the same problem after fillings.

 

[MsLeFever]

It is normal for me and mine. You had to stretch your jaw open for quite a while I bet and it is just sore from that. Take a pain reliever and drink a milkshake through a straw!

Hope you are feeling better soon!

 

[Blondie]

I've had it too after fillings. I think it's very common.

 

[hydster]

Sounds like jaw exertion to me. If you keep your jaw wide for too long it will make your jaw sore to use. I have recently started asking for the bite block. They put it on the side they aren't working on and you can rest your teeth on it but your mouth stays wide open for the dentist.

 

[4nana]

This is a common occurance among many patients and mine suffers after dental work too. Most likely your TMJ joint was stressed during the procedure. I would suggest you try some Motrin (or another antiflamatory med) and a warm cloth/hot pack. When my Mom's is aggervated she can hardly open her mouth and has to drink thru a straw and eat very soft food. Many also get TMJ from grinding their teeth at night and have to wear a sports splint appliance at night to keep joint in place and alleviate pressure. If you are not better in a couple days definitely seek dental attention as it can become very painful causing headaches and nausea. I have copied some info below you may find helpful.

TMJ
Temporo-Mandibular Joint, the joint where the mandible (the lower jaw) joins the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. A small disc of cartilage separates the bones, much like in the knee joint, so that the mandible may slide easily; each time you chew you move it. But you also move it every time you talk and each time you swallow (every three minutes or so). It is, therefore, one of the most frequently used of all joints of the body and one of the most complex.

 

[Imzadi]

Try moving your jaw from side to side. It may have accidently gotten dislodged or disjointed. You may simply need to gently slide it back into place.