Is lockjaw caused by wisdom tooth surgery?

No: True "lockjaw" is something very seldom seen anymore. It is a very serious result of a life threatening tetanus infection. Most of us receive tetanus vaccine, and also get a tetanus booster if there has been a potentially dirty injury or puncture to the skin.

Can be...: Limited mouth opening following oral surgery is a rare complication. If a patient cannot fully open their mouth after wisdom teeth are removed, they should consult their surgeon for appropriate follow up care.

Yes but: If wisdom tooth is impacted, most patients have limitations of oral opening for a few days to a week. It is possible to have a serious restriction of oral opening after wisdom tooth extraction due to displacement of the TMJ disk. Best advice is to have your surgery done by the wisdom tooth expert - oral surgeon.