Jaw pain when I drink something cold
Patient: My problem: Whenever I drink anything cold (even semi-cold), the bone under my gums on my right side become very cold and hurt. Here is some background info (i do not know how relevant this might be): I got both of my right wisdom teeth pulled over 2 weeks ago. my dentist put in dissolvable stiches. Because of my TMJ, my jaw was basically locked after that. When I went back to the the dentist, he just told me to keep prying my jaw open. My jaw still hurts, although it can now move. It is constantly in pain. Doctor: Hi There, Your condition is called post-surgical TRISMUS. This generally is a complication after impactions & extensive bone removal. It shd last for max 3-4 weeks till the healing is complete. The open wound exposes the jaw bone & also the root of the adjacent tooth,hence the sensitivity to cold. You need to do the following; a) Make sure the procedure was properly done: this can be achieved by a post-op X-ray or a 2nd opinion by an oral & maxillo-facial surgeon. b) Take a muscle-relaxant along with pain medication to unlock the jaw muscles like IBUGESIC-MR. c) Chew on a sugar-free gum like orbit/wriggley for 15min every 3hrs. This is physiotherapy for your jaw muscles. d) Gargle with warm salt water for 5min alternate hourly Thanks & take care