Effective Jaw Pain Treatment for West Finchley Patients

Book an assessment if you regularly notice signs of a dental issue. Many patients ignore jaw pain hoping it will pass, but persistent pain needs a professional view. Signs include waking with a sore jaw, morning headaches, worn or chipped teeth, a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth. If the pain makes chewing hard or you clench your teeth during the day, have it checked. We see many West Finchley patients who find relief once the dental cause is treated.

Your first appointment is a thorough 45 minute assessment to understand your symptoms and find the cause. We review your medical history, symptoms and stress and other factors. Dr. Reddy then performs a physical examination of your jaw joints for tenderness, clicking and range of motion. He also checks teeth for signs of wear from grinding or clenching. In some cases we may use digital imaging or a 3D CBCT scan for a clearer view of your jaw. Finally we share findings and outline a treatment plan. For example, a patient from West Finchley came in with morning headaches; we found severe bruxism and made a custom night guard that eased her symptoms within two weeks.

Bruxism, the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth usually at night, is the main dental cause of jaw pain. It places heavy strain on jaw muscles and joints, leading to pain, headaches and tooth damage. Our primary treatment is a custom occlusal splint or night guard. Unlike over the counter options, our guards are made from durable acrylic and fitted precisely to your teeth. The device creates a protective barrier that absorbs grinding forces, letting your jaw muscles relax. It reduces further tooth wear and provides significant relief. The Oral Health Foundation notes that up to 10 percent of UK adults may have bruxism, many not realizing it causes their pain.

Adapting to your new custom night guard usually takes a few nights. It may feel bulky at first, but since it fits you, most people adjust quickly. Wear it every night to get full benefit. Aftercare is simple: brush the night guard with a soft brush and cool water each morning and store it in its case. We will schedule a follow up in about 4 to 6 weeks to ensure it is comfortable and working. Long term the guard protects teeth from wear. If you notice damage or changes in symptoms, call us during office hours to arrange a check up.

A custom dental night guard works well for bruxism related pain, but it helps to know the alternatives. If pain comes from muscle tension, your GP might suggest physiotherapy or stress management. Over the counter mouthguards are cheaper but fit poorly and can be uncomfortable or even worsen symptoms. A professionally made splint from our Finchley practice offers a durable long term solution tailored to your bite. Another patient from a nearby area had jaw clicking with little tooth wear. Our assessment ruled out severe bruxism, and we referred them to a physiotherapist, saving them the cost of an unnecessary dental appliance.

To make an informed choice about care whether you see us or another practice in London, ask these questions: what do you think is the main cause of my jaw pain, what diagnostic tools will you use to confirm the diagnosis, is a custom night guard the best option for me and what material do you use, what is the total cost including the assessment, fitting and follow up appointments, how long should a custom made splint last and is there a warranty, do you accept private insurance like Denplan or Cigna for this treatment, what are the next steps if this treatment does not resolve my symptoms.

We price with transparency and no hidden fees. A comprehensive jaw pain assessment at our practice costs from £95. If a custom night guard is recommended, the cost for a professionally fabricated device is typically between £450 and £650. This price includes impressions, fitting and any minor adjustments needed to ensure a perfect fit. The investment protects teeth from costly future damage like cracks or fractures. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, but we accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan and Cigna. Please contact us with your policy details so we can advise on coverage.