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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Difficulty In Opening Mouth After A Lower Jaw Surgery

Hello! I had lower jaw surgery 17 years ago for an overbite and cosmetic problem, and as a result, I haven t been able to open my mouth wide. I have lived with it, but now I am at a point where I want to do something about it. I am using retainers, but I am still grinding my teeth all the time... I have had extensive dental work as a result (crowns mostly). I am in a choir and this is affecting me tremendously. Is there something that can be done so that I am able to open my mouth wide open? When I try to open the lower jaw, my throat closes up. The problem seems to be at the hinges. Please, help!
posted on Sat, 14 Mar 2015
Twitter Wed, 2 Aug 2017 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 3 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HCM..

As per your complain difficulty in opening the mouth wide with a history of jaw surgery and Bruxism or teeth grinding habit..
Well, you are guessing it right that the problem is at the jaw hinges or jaw joint only which can occur due to conditions like dislocation of jaw joint, bony fusions etc..
You need to consult an Oral Surgeon and get a full mouth x ray done known as Panaromic x ray to evaluate the exact condition of the jaw joints so that the treatment can be done accordingly..
You can be advised Physiotherapy along with mouth guards..
In case if grinding is not controlled still then anti anxiety medication can be given along..
Of the mouth opening is not improved with conservative treatment then surgical correction can be done..

Hope this information helps..

Regards..
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Suggest Treatment For Difficulty In Opening Mouth After A Lower Jaw Surgery

Hi.. Welcome to HCM.. As per your complain difficulty in opening the mouth wide with a history of jaw surgery and Bruxism or teeth grinding habit.. Well, you are guessing it right that the problem is at the jaw hinges or jaw joint only which can occur due to conditions like dislocation of jaw joint, bony fusions etc.. You need to consult an Oral Surgeon and get a full mouth x ray done known as Panaromic x ray to evaluate the exact condition of the jaw joints so that the treatment can be done accordingly.. You can be advised Physiotherapy along with mouth guards.. In case if grinding is not controlled still then anti anxiety medication can be given along.. Of the mouth opening is not improved with conservative treatment then surgical correction can be done.. Hope this information helps.. Regards..