skip to main content

Post-Operative Trismus — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyOral SurgeryPost-Operative TrismusORE Part 1

Five days after uncomplicated surgical removal of a lower third molar, a patient has painful limitation of mouth opening. There is no fever, facial swelling, purulent discharge, worsening pain or malaise. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Provide analgesia, moist heat, gentle jaw exercises and review

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · C = shown as D

A is correct. Jaw stiffness and reduced opening are common after lower wisdom-tooth surgery and may persist during the first 1–2 postoperative weeks. In the absence of infective features, management is conservative: appropriate analgesia, moist warmth and gentle jaw-opening exercises, with review and clear safety-netting. Antibiotics are not indicated for trismus alone; reassess urgently if pain or swelling worsens, or if fever, malaise, purulence or a bad taste develops. Forceful opening under general anaesthesia and socket re-exploration are disproportionate without another diagnosis. A muscle relaxant alone does not provide the usual supportive approach, while discharge without advice or review omits symptomatic care and safety-netting.

Reference: NHS, Wisdom tooth removal, updated review 12 June 2024: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/wisdom-tooth-removal/