Unable to open mouth more than 1/2 an inch after root canal?!

Unable to open mouth more than 1/2 an inch after root canal?

I had a root canal done a week ago today. The root canal tooth is a little sore when chewing on it and around the gumline, which I expect is normal.
What concerns me is that I'm unable to open my mouth more than about half an inch. It's hard to eat and I can barely get a spoon in my mouth without lots of pain. I've been ripping my food into little pieces to fit. The pain seems to stem from the same side as the root canal. I noticed as soon as I had my first novicane injection, about 5-10 minutes later my mouth felt very 'heavy' when trying to open it.

This doesn't seem to be getting better from day to day. I'm so frustrated and feeling hopeless. I've been trying not to force it and I've really been babying my jaw. I've been taking the pain meds (800mg of Ibuprofren) not for my tooth, but for my jaw!

What's happening? Is this normal? How long will it take to heal? Should I be concerned? Could this be permanent? Nerve damage? Lock Jaw!?

Hi My name is Jeffrey M Salerno DDS

It is common to have pain in the jaw after a procedure where your mouth is opened for extended periods of time. If the Root canal was on a lower tooth than the injection has to penetrate tissue of the oral mucosa, connective tissue and muscle tissue before the anesthetic is deposited near the nerve. This commonly cause some pain and tenderness in opening and closing of the jaw. But it usually subsides and will gradually improve over time.

I suggest using warm salt water rinses in that area( the warm water brings blood into the area which helps repair the damage). Use a heating pad on that side of your face. Continue with Motrin 800mg ( no more that 1 every 6 hrs).

If it does not improve give your dentist a call.