After a dental procedure, some patients may experience difficulty opening their mouths widely, a condition known as trismus. Trismus can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can make it difficult to eat, speak, or maintain oral hygiene.
Trismus following dental work is often caused by inflammation or muscle spasms in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. This inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including the use of certain dental instruments, prolonged mouth opening during the procedure, or underlying TMJ disorders.
