Post-Operative Trismus Normal — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyOral SurgeryPost-Operative Trismus NormalORE Part 1

A patient returns 48 hours after surgical removal of a lower third molar with marked limitation of mouth opening. They are afebrile, have only expected postoperative oedema, and report no dysphagia or malaise. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: A — Provide analgesia, warm compresses and gentle jaw exercises

Explanation lettering: E = shown as C · C = shown as E

A is correct. Trismus and jaw stiffness for several days are common after difficult lower third-molar surgery, and postoperative swelling is often greatest on days 2–3. In an afebrile patient with expected oedema and no dysphagia or malaise, conservative treatment is appropriate: suitable analgesia, local warmth and gentle jaw-mobility exercises. Antibiotics are not indicated without evidence of infection. Drainage would be required only for a confirmed spreading odontogenic infection or abscess, not uncomplicated postoperative trismus. A muscle relaxant alone neither addresses postoperative pain nor represents routine first-line management. Re-exploration is unwarranted without a specific surgical complication. Advise review urgently if swelling or pain becomes severe or progressively worse, or if fever, malaise, bad taste or dysphagia develops.

Reference: NHS, Wisdom tooth removal, reviewed 2024; see recovery and urgent-advice sections. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/wisdom-tooth-removal/