Do you suffer from recurrent headaches that have no apparent cause? Do you experience ear, neck or facial pain?
Many people suffer with these symptoms of a Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) unknowingly and don’t think to mention them during a routine visit as they are not those we typically associate with dental health problems. In his Annapolis area dental practice, Dr. Finlay offers patients suffering with TMD the benefits of his extensive post graduate training and years of experience treating TMD and bite disorders.
Dr. Finlay takes time with his patients to understand the entire occlusal system (the bite) in order to determine what is causing the imbalance and TMD. He uses some of the latest dental technology and imaging to evaluate the bite and look for signs of damage in order to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan that brings long term results.
Signs and symptoms of TMD:
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Sore jaw or jaw pain
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Poor range of motion in the jaw joints and/or locking jaw
- Popping noise in the jaw joint
- Pressure in the ear or earaches
There are a variety of treatment options available for TMD treatment, but the most conservative usually includes the use of a mouth guard. The custom fit mouth guard is prescribed to be worn at night to relieve stress put on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by teeth grinding and clenching: two very common symptoms of TMD. Teeth grinding can lead to other dental health issues such as gum disease as well as damage the teeth.
Dr. Finlay may suggest other restorative procedures to bring the bite back into alignment and halt the progression of TMD and subsequent damage to the oral health system. Don’t suffer with recurring headaches and radiating neck and facial pain. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Finlay today.