Jaw Locking (Trismus) Treatment

Jaw locking (trismus) is a temporomandibular joint problem that restricts mouth opening movement, making functions such as eating and speaking difficult. It usually occurs due to teeth clenching, temporomandibular joint disorders, infections, or trauma. It can be controlled with correct diagnosis and treatment.

What is Jaw Locking (Trismus)?

Jaw locking (trismus) is a condition where the mouth can open less than normal due to spasms of the jaw muscles or problems in the temporomandibular joint. In healthy individuals, the average mouth opening is between 35–45 mm. A significant reduction in this distance is considered a symptom of trismus.

What Causes Jaw Locking (Trismus)?

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems: Disc displacements, inflammations, or degenerative changes in the jaw joint can cause trismus.
• Teeth Clenching and Grinding: Prolonged teeth clenching can lead to excessive tension in the jaw muscles, causing locking.
• Dental Treatments and Surgical Interventions: Temporary trismus may be experienced, especially after prolonged tooth extractions or oral surgery.
• Infections: Dental abscesses, tonsil infections, or intraoral inflammations can restrict jaw movement.
• Trauma and Blows: Blows to the jaw area can cause damage to muscle and joint structures.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy applied especially to the head and neck region can cause jaw locking.

What are the Symptoms of Jaw Locking (Trismus)?

• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Pain and stiffness in the jaw
• Discomfort when eating or speaking
• Clicking or popping sounds from the jaw
• Facial and headache
• Ear pain

How is Jaw Locking (Trismus) Treated?

Treatment for jaw locking is planned according to the underlying cause. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is of great importance.

• Medication Treatment: Muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs; antibiotics are used if there is an infection. This treatment method is usually short-term and aims to alleviate symptoms.
• Physical Therapy and Exercises: Jaw opening and closing exercises increase muscle flexibility, reducing locking. Manual therapy performed with a physiotherapist is also effective.
• Hot-Cold Application: In trismus cases caused by muscle spasms, hot application relaxes the muscles, while cold application is used in inflammatory conditions.
• Using a Night Guard: In discomfort caused by teeth clenching and temporomandibular joint issues, specially prepared occlusal splints reduce the load on the jaw muscles.
• Treatment of the Underlying Disease: If there is a dental abscess, root canal treatment or extraction; if there is a joint problem, advanced imaging and specialist treatment; surgical intervention is also performed when necessary.

What Happens If Jaw Locking (Trismus) is Not Treated?

• Permanent limitation of mouth opening
• Eating and speech problems
• Constant jaw and headaches
• Decrease in quality of life

What Can Be Done to Prevent Jaw Locking (Trismus)?

• Seek treatment if you have a teeth grinding habit.
• Avoid chewing gum for long periods.
• Try to manage stress.
• Do not neglect dental check-ups.
• Avoid sudden movements that strain the jaw joint.

Jaw Locking (Trismus) Treatment Costs

The costs of jaw locking (trismus) treatment vary depending on individuals' needs, the experience of the treating physician, the healthcare center where the application will be performed, and the city.