Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 12/30/2009

Question
I had wisdom teeth surgery 9 days ago and everything seemed to go fairly well. I basically had no bleeding, some swelling but not bad and only minor jaw stiffness. But 2 days after the surgery my three front teeth started hurting. It ranges from a dull ache to fairly severe pain. I'm positive I don't have cavities there and especially in three teeth all at once! I've been rinsing my mouth out with salt water several times a day but it isn't helping.

I'm just wondering if you would know what might have caused this? Is it possible it is just stressed from the swelling and my jaw being open during the surgery and the nerve just got hurt? How long might it be like this?

Thanks in advance!

Kristine

Answer
Kristine - Of course, without examining you I cannot be sure what is going on, but the pain in your front teeth along with your description of jaw stiffness may indicate that you are having jaw muscle spasms.  When that occurs, often the bite is altered.  With this change in the bite, your teeth are not meeting the same way and that you may be creating tenderness of those teeth with additional pressure on those teeth from an altered bite.  Again, I cannot be sure, but I have seen similar situations before.  

You should continue the warm salt water rinses, but increase the time to about 5 minutes at each rinsing.  You should also contact the doctor who removed the teeth and have him examine you.  It should get better on its own, but you should get examined just to make sure.