TMJ Treatment
in Downtown Ottawa

Proving Expert Treatment for TMJ in Ottawa

Dentists examine xrays together

Treating TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder in 
Downtown Ottawa 

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (often known as “TMD” or “TMJD”) refers to trouble with your jaw muscle and the joints that connect it to your skull. Several factors such as arthritis, injury and genetics can contribute to TMJ dysfunction, often making it difficult to determine the cause.

If you’re suffering from frequent headaches and jaw pain, or if your jaw clicks, you may have TMJ issues. There are non-surgical options for treating TMJ, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

If you believe you may be suffering from TMJ dysfunction, contact Pretoria Bridge Dental today.

TMJ Causes & Treatment in Downtown Ottawa

At Pretoria Bridge Dental, we work with our patients to determine the cause of their TMJ pain and discomfort. By assessing the state of your jaw and its relation to your skull, we’re able to make a diagnosis and outline potential treatment options — including pain-relieving appliances, orthodontics or restorative procedures to rebuild flat teeth. Some TMJ causes include:

  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
  • Jaw Injury
  • Arthritis
  • Jaw Misalignment

Our team would be happy to get in touch with you to discuss a treatment plan for TMJ dysfunction. For more information about TMJ Treatment in Ottawa, contact us today.

A woman getting an xray done to diagnose TMJ problems

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woman experiencing painful mouth aches looking for TMJ Relief

Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Although several factors contribute to the diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction, there are a few common signs and symptoms to be aware of:

  • Pain or tenderness of your jaw
  • Aching pain in and around your jaw
  • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
  • Lockjaw or difficulty opening and closing mouth

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, make sure you mention them to your dentist so that our team can assess whether you need treatment.

Why You Need to Seek Treatment for TMJ

At Pretoria Bridge Dental, we work with our patients to determine the cause of their TMJ pain and discomfort. By assessing the state of your jaw and its relation to your skull, we’re able to make a diagnosis and outline potential treatment options — including pain-relieving appliances, orthodontics or restorative procedures to rebuild flat teeth.

Our team would be happy to get in touch with you to discuss a treatment plan for TMJ dysfunction. For more information about TMJ dysfunction in Downtown Ottawa or nearby areas (such as The Glebe, Sandy Hill, Ottawa East, Old Ottawa South, etc.), contact us today.

man holding night mouth guard
A periodontist consults with a patient

TMJ Treatment Options at Pretoria Bride Dental

Finding the underlying cause is the first step in an effective TMJ treatment plan. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, our dentists at Pretoria Bridge dental will evaluate your teeth and jaws using advanced, cutting-edge equipment. We provide many TMJ treatment options depending on the causes and it may include:

Splint or Mouth Guard

A mouthguard that is carefully made to correct your bite is the most popular corrective treatment for TMJ. To keep your teeth apart and avoid clenching and grinding, the appliance functions like a splint. As the guard decreases pressure and strain on your temporomandibular joints, it can lessen pain and discomfort.

TMJ Treatment Options at Pretoria Bride Dental

Restorative Dentistry

Patients with TMJ symptoms that include bruxism may discover that the disorder has worn down or damaged their teeth. In addition to repairing damaged teeth, the dentist may advise getting bespoke crowns, bridges, or other dental work done to ensure that the top and bottom dental arches are balanced properly. We offer top-notch restorations that are perfectly fitted and completely natural-looking.

Orthodontics

Some people might need orthodontic treatment to address serious jaw alignment problems. We provide Invisalign®, a clear and straightforward orthodontic option that many adults find to be a great fit for their daily lives.

An oral hygienist at Preotira Bridge Dental cleans the teeth of a patient

Client Testimonials

FAQs

A dentist can assess and diagnose a patient’s TMJ symptoms and recommend effective forms of treatment. For instance, if a patient’s TMJ issues come from teeth grinding or jaw clenching, they can recommend a dental appliance such as a dental plate or splint to keep them from causing further damage and allow the TMJ joint to rest and recover. Furthermore, a dentist can refer the patient to a specialist for treatment, or a physiotherapist if needed.

TMJ disorder is not life-threatening, however leaving it untreated can lead to increased pain, discomfort and tension in the jaw that can affect other areas of your life. Parts of your life may change to revolve around relieving your pain and discomfort. Chronic pain has also been shown to lead to the development of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Don’t ignore jaw pain, especially when you experience it regularly. Contact us instead to see if we can help!

There are a number of different causes for TMJ pain to flare up including:

  • Stress which can cause jaw clenching and teeth grinding when awake or asleep.
  • Hormonal changes caused by medications or supplements.
  • Hard and chewy foods which can add more stress to an already strained TMJ.
  • Poor posture which can shift your lower jaw forward, disrupting its normal function.
  • Weak neck muscles that don’t support the TMJ properly.

Yes, it can. In fact, many people who begin to experience TMJ symptoms tend to have them on one side of their face. As the disorder progresses, it usually begins to affect the other side of the face as well. However, in some cases, it can continue to affect only one side of the face.

If you have TMJ pain that is making it difficult to sleep, try lying on your back. This is the best position to keep your neck and back in good alignment, and keep pressure off of your jaw, alleviating pain, and allowing the joint to rest and recover while you sleep.

In most cases, surgery is not required to treat TMJ dysfunction. Non-surgical approaches are taken to relieve you of the symptoms you are experiencing. Typically, a mouth guard or night guard will be recommended to treat TMJ. In cases that are more severe, your dentist will refer you to an Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon for corrective jaw surgery.

Practice good posture and relax the jaw muscles whenever you can to avoid acquiring a TMJ issue.

Additionally, it’s crucial to have routine dental exams so that your dentist can identify any potential bite or jaw problems early on and give you the chance to take additional preventative steps.

Please get in touch with Pretoria Bridge Dental if you have any additional queries about TMJ or TMD. we specialise in treating TMJ issues in the Ottawa area.

These two terms are related and frequently used interchangeably. Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ for short, is the joint that joins the lower jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, is what happens when the TMJ is impacted by problems that frequently cause discomfort or pain. It’s not uncommon for the term TMJ to be used in place of TMD.

What Do I Need to Bring to the
Initial Consultation Appointment?

A list of medications you are currently taking
Your health card or driver’s licence
Your dental insurance information
Pretoria Bridge Dental's team
Dental program cards or stubs
The referral note from your dentist, if you were given one
Any X-rays your dentist has given you

 

Pretoria Bridge Dental Is Built On The Trust & Care
We Have For All Our Patients

Hours & Contact Information

(613) 236-5202
(613) 236-5206
[email protected]
223 Echo Dr, Ottawa, ON K1S 1N2
Office Hours
  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • 7:30am – 4:30pm
  • 7:30am – 4:30pm
  • 7:30am – 4:30pm
  • 7:30am – 4:30pm
  • 7:30am – 3:00pm
Parking

We have two free parking spaces in our clinic lot. Also, there are three parking spaces at the Ottawa Chinese Bible Church (on the corner of Main and Graham). On Graham Avenue you will find two-hour parking available; while there is also parking on Hawthorne Street from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and then again from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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