TMJ Treatment in North York

Lasting Relief for Jaw Pain and Tension

If you often wake up with jaw stiffness, headaches, or a clicking sound when you chew, your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) could be the reason. This small but powerful joint connects your jaw to your skull, and when it’s strained or misaligned, even simple movements can become painful.

At Keele & Sheppard Dentistry, we specialize in gentle, non-invasive TMJ treatment in North York. Our goal is to relieve your pain, restore proper jaw function, and help you return to a life without tension or discomfort.

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What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder (or TMD) occurs when the muscles and joints that control jaw movement become irritated or out of balance. It can stem from stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), bite misalignment, or injury.

Common symptoms include:

Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
Clicking or popping sounds while opening or chewing
Stiffness or limited jaw movement
Facial pain, earaches, or ringing in the ears
Headaches and neck tension

Our experienced TMJ dentist in North York performs a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause and create a tailored treatment plan that targets relief at its source.

Causes of TMJ Pain

The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body. Because it handles both hinge and sliding movements, even small imbalances can cause irritation.

Common causes include:

Chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching

Stress or anxiety leading to muscle tension

Misaligned bite or missing teeth

Arthritis affecting the joint

Previous jaw injury or trauma

Excessive gum chewing or nail biting

If you’re not sure what’s causing your discomfort, our jaw pain dentist in North York can identify patterns that often go unnoticed, like nighttime grinding or posture-related strain.

Customized TMJ Disorder Treatment

At Keele & Sheppard Dentistry, every TMJ disorder treatment in North York begins with comfort and precision. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:

Custom Nightguards

Prevent grinding and cushion your jaw during sleep.

Bite Alignment Therapy

Adjusts how your teeth fit together to reduce joint stress.

Muscle Relaxation Exercises

Stretching and relaxation to relieve tension.

Physical Therapy Referrals

For posture correction and muscle balance.

Medication or Cold-Warm Compresses

Short-term relief for inflammation and pain.

We focus on long-term healing — not just masking symptoms.

Clicking Jaw and Teeth Grinding Treatment

If your jaw clicks or pops when you chew, you may have an uneven bite or disc displacement within the joint. While not always serious, it can worsen over time.

Our clicking jaw treatment in North York includes gentle bite analysis and occlusal adjustments to restore smooth motion.

For patients who grind or clench their teeth, we offer teeth grinding treatment in North York — custom-made nightguards that protect enamel and relax jaw muscles.

TMJ Therapy and Lifestyle Support

True recovery from TMD often combines dental therapy with daily care. Our TMJ therapy near you includes guidance on:

The process typically involves:

Relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce tension
Stress management strategies
Gentle jaw stretches and warm compresses
Dietary changes, softer foods during flare-ups
Ergonomic adjustments for better posture

These small shifts make a big difference in long-term comfort and joint health.

Advanced TMD Treatment Options

For chronic or severe TMJ pain, we may use digital bite analysis and occlusal balancing to correct the way your teeth meet. In rare cases, referral to an oral surgeon may be needed for structural concerns, but most patients find full relief through conservative TMD treatment in North York.

Our modern diagnostic tools and holistic approach help prevent recurrence and protect your bite for years to come.

Why Choose Keele & Sheppard Dentistry for TMJ Treatment in North York

Patients trust us for TMJ treatment in North York because we combine clinical expertise with compassion.

Experienced team with years of TMJ and jaw-pain care
Custom nightguards and therapy designed for your comfort
Non-invasive techniques focused on long-term stability
Digital bite analysis for accurate diagnosis
Welcoming, family-friendly clinic with flexible scheduling

We do not just treat symptoms, we rebuild function and confidence in every smile.

What to Expect

TMJ Treatment Procedure

Initial Consultation & Examination

Reviewing your symptoms (jaw pain, clicking, headaches, difficulty opening mouth)

Customized Treatment Plan

Zoom session or tray delivery with instructions

In-Clinic Treatment

For persistent or severe cases: injections, arthrocentesis (joint flushing), or bite adjustments may be performed.

Follow-Up & Long-Term Care

Progress is monitored, splints may be adjusted, and long-term exercises or habits are reinforced to maintain jaw health.

What North York Patients Say

FAQs About TMJ Disorder Treatment in North York

Q1: What exactly is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder (TMD) affects the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It can cause pain, stiffness, or a clicking sound when opening or chewing. Causes range from teeth grinding and stress to injury or arthritis. Our TMJ dentist in North York can determine the specific reason and build a treatment plan around it.

Q2: What are the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder?

The most frequent symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening your mouth fully, and tightness around your temples or neck. Some patients even report earaches or dizziness.

Q3: How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a full dental and jaw exam, reviewing your bite alignment, muscle tenderness, and joint movement. Imaging (like X-rays or CBCT scans) may also be used for precision.

Q4: What does TMJ treatment involve?

TMJ treatment in North York is customized to your needs. It can include custom nightguards, bite adjustments, relaxation techniques, and therapeutic exercises, all aimed at relieving pain and preventing future strain.

Q5: Can stress make TMJ worse?

Yes. Stress often leads to unconscious clenching or grinding, which strains the jaw muscles and joint. Relaxation practices, deep breathing, and mindfulness are effective ways to manage this.

Q6: What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ refers to the joint itself, the temporomandibular joint. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) refers to the condition affecting it. You might hear both terms used interchangeably.

Q7: Can TMJ cause headaches or ear pain?

Absolutely. Because the jaw joint sits close to the ear canal, inflammation can radiate to the temples, ears, and neck. Treating the root cause through TMD therapy in North York often reduces these symptoms dramatically.

Q8: How long does TMJ treatment take?

Mild cases improve within weeks using nightguards and exercises. Chronic issues may take several months of therapy and follow-up visits to fully resolve, depending on muscle and joint healing.

Q9: Are TMJ treatments covered by insurance?

Yes, many insurance plans and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provide partial coverage for TMJ disorder treatments. Our administrative team helps confirm your eligibility before treatment begins.

Q10: Can TMJ problems go away on their own?

Some mild cases resolve with rest and stress reduction, but persistent jaw pain or clicking should always be evaluated by a TMJ dentist in North York. Early care prevents long-term joint damage and chronic pain.