Hi rosejazmine,

Sometimes when a lower molar is extracted the musculature structure of the mandible (lower jaw) gets over worked during the removal due to the pressure used to elevate the tooth from the bone. The muscle is temporarily traumatized and now tight. Ideally for about 2 weeks you should rest your jaw as much as possible by eating a soft food diet and avoid chewy foods. Do not try to force your mouth to open wide as that will cause the muscle to crap up. You can apply an ice pack for the first 24 hours post op and then starting tomorrow you can apply warm MOIST heat to that area of your neck, face and jaw line. Be sure to use moist heat as that will help reduce the inflammation in the muscle. Dry heat will cause the blood to pool in that area and add to the inflammation.

It is also possible that your TMJ joint near your ear has been stretched as well. Eating soft foods, etc. will help that area to relax also.

If you do nothing to help the situation and/or you eat chewy foods, etc, the problem will get worse because the muscle will stay tight and this can lead to chronic TMJ problems.

I hope this info is helpful to you. Hope you feel relief soon!
Bryanna