Do I have to open my mouth really wide for a root canal retreatment on an upper 1st molar?

[Annie364]

I'm going to be having a root canal retreatment on an upper 1st molar, and the appointment is for 2 hours.

Will I have to open my mouth as wide as possible for that, or can I open it about half way instead?

I'm fine at first opening my mouth wide, but in the past I've found after a certain amount of time I get really bad jaw pain in that position. It's like a cramp or something, and gets extremely painful. It's in the jaw muscle itself.

If I look in the mirror and measure with a ruler, the widest I can open is around 5cm (measuring between the insicors), and more relaxed is 3cm.

Also is it OK to half close my mouth when the dentist turns away then re-open when he turns back to me, or does that make it difficult for the dentist?

Thank you very much.

 

[Gordon]

Ask for a bite prop. It's sort of a rubber wedge thing that the dentist can insert which takes some of the strain off your muscles.
It's OK to close your mouth a bit at times, but check with your dentist if there are parts of the procedure where you shouldn't.

 

[Annie364]

Ok, thanks so much Gordon! With the bite prop, will that stop me closing my mouth a bit though, does it hold it in a fully open position?

 

[Gordon]

Sorry, been on Grandpa duty

It's adjustable, it can hold in whatever position you want. It just helps take the load off your muscles and jaw joint.

 

[Annie364]

Thank you Gordon, I hope you enjoyed Easter!

That sounds very helpful, especially if my jaw can relax onto it a bit. I'll ask him if he can use one for me.