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Long Face Syndrome, Jaw Pain And Spasms. Underwent Jaw Surgery To Correct Malocclusion. What Can Be Done?
Question: Hello,
About a year and three months ago, I underwent a double jaw surgery and a genioplasty to correct a malocclusion. My official diagnosis was "long face syndrome'. About 6 months after the surgery, I started experiencing jaw pain, and then later jaw clicking and popping. In the past two months, I have begun to experience jaw spasms with increasing frequency.
What could be the cause of these jaw problems? I have become rather fixated on them and they worry me a great deal. I didn't experience any of these issues before my surgery.
Thank you so much!
I forgot to mention I am still wearing braces (Invisalign) to perfect my bite.
About a year and three months ago, I underwent a double jaw surgery and a genioplasty to correct a malocclusion. My official diagnosis was "long face syndrome'. About 6 months after the surgery, I started experiencing jaw pain, and then later jaw clicking and popping. In the past two months, I have begun to experience jaw spasms with increasing frequency.
What could be the cause of these jaw problems? I have become rather fixated on them and they worry me a great deal. I didn't experience any of these issues before my surgery.
Thank you so much!
I forgot to mention I am still wearing braces (Invisalign) to perfect my bite.
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
As you have mentioned you underwent a double jaw surgery the procedure was long and traumatic a lot of bone cutting has to be done, so sometimes healing takes a long time.
I would like to inform you that due to prolonged mouth opening in dental procedure, jaw muscle go into temporary spasm which causes pain in the jaw on chewing.
You will be perfectly alright, when you visit the Dentist get pain killers and muscle relaxants prescribed to you.
I would advise you to have a soft diet and have hot and cold compresses over the jaw in front of the ear on both the sides. Avoid wide mouth opening during yawning or laughing.
Clicking and popping sound describes some abnormality in the Temporomandibular joint, I would suggest you to visit the concerned Oral Surgeon and get the check up done take x-rays if necessary. Also check the orthodontic braces if causing any discomfort get it corrected.
Do not worry you will be fine soon.
I hope this answer was useful; let me know if you need clarifications.
Take Care!
Dr Qazi Ammara.
Thanks for your query.
As you have mentioned you underwent a double jaw surgery the procedure was long and traumatic a lot of bone cutting has to be done, so sometimes healing takes a long time.
I would like to inform you that due to prolonged mouth opening in dental procedure, jaw muscle go into temporary spasm which causes pain in the jaw on chewing.
You will be perfectly alright, when you visit the Dentist get pain killers and muscle relaxants prescribed to you.
I would advise you to have a soft diet and have hot and cold compresses over the jaw in front of the ear on both the sides. Avoid wide mouth opening during yawning or laughing.
Clicking and popping sound describes some abnormality in the Temporomandibular joint, I would suggest you to visit the concerned Oral Surgeon and get the check up done take x-rays if necessary. Also check the orthodontic braces if causing any discomfort get it corrected.
Do not worry you will be fine soon.
I hope this answer was useful; let me know if you need clarifications.
Take Care!
Dr Qazi Ammara.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate your advice!
I have been worried that the spasms were causes by my jaw relapsing/condylar resorption. But it seems like you are saying that this problem is fairly common after jaw surgery? How long will it last? Can stress management help in place of the muscle relaxers (I am hesitant about the painkillers because I no longer have pain- just frequent spasms and occasional popping/clicking).
Thanks again!
Best,
XXXXXX
I have been worried that the spasms were causes by my jaw relapsing/condylar resorption. But it seems like you are saying that this problem is fairly common after jaw surgery? How long will it last? Can stress management help in place of the muscle relaxers (I am hesitant about the painkillers because I no longer have pain- just frequent spasms and occasional popping/clicking).
Thanks again!
Best,
XXXXXX
Hello,
Thanks for the reply,
I would like you to know that pain and spasm usually disappears in 10-15 days, but in some cases it may take months. A physical consult will give you more clues as to the cause of pain which can be attended individually.
Do not worry at all, avoid stress. You can ask for medications containing muscle relaxants when you visit the Dentist, muscle relaxants can give you additional benefits.
Take soft diet, avoid wide opening of mouth.
I hope this answer was useful.
I wish you good health.
Take Care!
Thanks for the reply,
I would like you to know that pain and spasm usually disappears in 10-15 days, but in some cases it may take months. A physical consult will give you more clues as to the cause of pain which can be attended individually.
Do not worry at all, avoid stress. You can ask for medications containing muscle relaxants when you visit the Dentist, muscle relaxants can give you additional benefits.
Take soft diet, avoid wide opening of mouth.
I hope this answer was useful.
I wish you good health.
Take Care!
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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