Some jaw discomfort after dental treatment is completely normal. Your jaw may feel a little stiff, tender, or achy, especially if you had to keep your mouth open for a long time. In most cases, this should ease within a few days and is nothing to worry about.
However, if the pain lingers or gets worse, it could be a sign that your dentist has made a mistake. Ongoing jaw pain after dental work may point to issues such as:
- Infection: Sometimes bacteria can enter the area that was treated, leading to swelling, throbbing pain, or even a fever. Not all infections are caused by negligence, but if your dentist failed to follow proper hygiene or care standards, this could form the basis of a dental negligence claim.
- Nerve irritation or injury: Certain procedures, such as extractions or implants, can sometimes cause nerve damage, leading to persistent pain, tingling, or numbness in your jaw.
- Jaw joint (TMJ) strain: Long appointments where your mouth is held open can put pressure on the temporomandibular joint, leaving you with ongoing soreness or difficulty opening your mouth fully.
- Dry socket after extraction – If you’ve had a tooth removed, the healing process can sometimes go wrong. A dry socket develops when the blood clot protecting the bone doesn’t form properly or is dislodged, causing severe pain that can radiate through your jaw and even up to your ear.
- Bite alignment problems: A filling, crown, or bridge that sits too high can affect the way your teeth meet, creating strain and discomfort in your jaw.
While some discomfort is expected, you know your body best. If the pain doesn’t ease after a few days, or if it feels sharp, worsening, or unusual, it’s worth seeking further advice from a dental professional.
