Most cases of trismus are temporary, typically lasting for less than 2 weeks , but some may be permanent.
Although trismus much more commonly presents as a temporary complication, it can become a permanent condition if a patient does not undergo rehabilitative treatment in a timely manner.
But left untreated, trismus can affect people's ability to eat and regain strength after treatment. It can affect their ability to communicate, making them feel frustrated or isolated. If cancer treatment makes it hard for you to open your mouth, let your healthcare provider know.
Common causes
Pericoronitis (inflammation of soft tissue around impacted third molar) is the most common cause of trismus. Inflammation of muscles of mastication. It is a frequent sequel to surgical removal of mandibular third molars (lower wisdom teeth).
Trismus, or lockjaw, is a painful condition in which the jaws do not open fully. As well as causing pain, trismus can lead to problems with eating, speaking, and oral hygiene.
If you feel like you might have Trismus or lockjaw, it is important that you visit an ENT hospital. They might refer you to a dental surgeon and an orthopedician, based on the severity of the condition.
The 3 Finger Test
A quick and easy way to identify a possible case of Trismus is to place three of your fingers, stacked, between your upper and lower teeth, or dentures. If the mouth can open wide enough to accommodate them comfortably, then Trismus is unlikely to be a problem.
Opening the jaw slightly and repeatedly trying to move the mouth from one side to the other help in unlocking the jaw. Staying hydrated is a must, not just for unlocking your lockjaw, but for an overall healthy, detoxified body. Drinking sufficient quantity of water everyday will help your jaw muscles stay in shape.
Symptoms include the reduced range of motion you experienced, pain or cramping in the jaw that occurs with or without movement, and pain or difficulty when exerting pressure, as when eating. Whether or not your jaw problem is due to TMD or trismus, we urge you to see your doctor or a TMD specialist for diagnosis.
Trismus can be caused by damage to the muscles and/or nerve responsible for opening and closing the mouth and for chewing.
Generally, trismus is gradually alleviated or disappears within approximately 1 to 2 weeks post-operatively; however, in very rare cases, trismus persists for >1 month.
Trismus is a painful condition that restricts normal mandibular movement and function as a result of masticatory musculature spasms. Patients are unable to open their mouth within the normal range (35 to 55 mm [average is 40 mm]; 3-finger wide).
Trismus usually resolves itself in less than two weeks, but it can be very painful in the meantime. Permanent trismus can occur too. Whether trismus is around for days or months, daily exercises and massaging can ease the pain.
Is TMJ treatment covered by medicare? Medicare Part B covers TMJ treatment (even TMJ surgery) as long as it is performed by a qualified physician. If, however, your TMJ treatment falls into the category of pure dentistry, and not general healthcare, Medicare may not cover it.
Trismus caused by inflammation resolves by itself in due course, without need of any intervention. Whereas, when there is infection, trismus persists for a prolonged duration and it may even aggravate. This can be controlled by prescribing antibiotics.
Suggest heat therapy (placing moist hot towels on the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 1 hr). Suggest taking analgesics: ASA or acetamiophen 325 mg, 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hrs; or ibuprofen 200 mg, 1-2 tablets every 4 hrs. Muscle relaxants may be used in combination with analgesics or alone.
Trismus is commonly referred to as lockjaw and is usually due to sustained tetanic spasms of the muscles of mastication. Although it was initially described in the setting of tetanus, it is now used to refer to a bilateral restriction in mouth opening from any cause.
While most nerve damage is always accidental, negligence by a dentist during a dental procedure can also result in dental nerve damage. With treatment, dental nerve damage can heal in six to eight weeks. If, however, the effects last more than six months, then it is considered permanent nerve damage.
Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock. Spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks triggered by things such as touching the face, chewing, speaking or brushing teeth. Attacks of pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. Pain that occurs with facial spasms.
Trismus from spastic hypertonia of masticatory muscles is an upper motor neuron syndrome that is caused after different types of cerebral damage such as traumatic brain injury, hypoxic brain damage, and stroke.
Without it, you wouldn't be able to bite, chew, yawn, or speak. A locked jaw is a symptom of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or more commonly called TMJ. TMJ disorder is when your jaw becomes misaligned and causes pain due to inflammation, nerve pinching, and bone deterioration.
1 Lockjaw can last from several hours to a few days. Within just a few hours, lockjaw can also cause: Headaches2. Jaw pain.
Only TMJ dentists specially trained in neuro-muscular science and bioesthetics are able to consult, diagnose and treat lockjaw with the dental procedures that provide immediate relief as well as long lasting change if the patient undergoes the full treatment plan.