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Why can I still not open my mouth fully inspite of tooth extraction?

Dr Rakesh Malhotra
Consultant, Orthodontist,
Centre for Advanced Dentistry,
New Delhi

Q: I have a broken molar on the left of my lower jaw. I visited a dentist for extraction. He gave me anaesthesia but it did not work. He gave me ciprofloxin to cure the infection for three days but the next morning I felt difficulty in opening my mouth. After a week I still could not open my mouth but somehow the dentist removed it. He again prescribed antibiotics but inspite of taking it for a week there is no improvement and I cannot open my mouth more than half an inch. I have no pain or swelling but my inner muscles are very rigid.

A:It seems your jaw muscles have got injured while giving the anaesthetic injection the first time. As a result the muscles have gone into a spasm. Muscle relaxants along with jaw opening exrcises would help. Kindly get in touch with your dentist or seek a second opinion.