Find Relief with TMJ Therapy in Ottawa

TMJ Therapy in Ottawa: Relief for Jaw Pain and Tension

You or your family members may notice jaw discomfort, clicking, or stiffness that affects daily life. These can be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a condition involving the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. At Innes Dental Health Group in Ottawa, we offer professional TMJ therapy designed to bring relief and restore comfort. Many patients in Ottawa choose TMJ therapy because it helps them manage ongoing jaw issues and improve everyday function. Our team is here to help you feel more at ease and enjoy better overall comfort!Shape

Why TMJ Therapy Matters

Jaw pain, or Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs), usually results from a combination of issues like jaw injuries or joint diseases such as arthritis. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, certain factors can make TMD symptoms worse, including bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and muscle tension in the head or neck. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), stress can also be a factor, though it’s uncertain whether it’s a cause or a result of TMD. Other potential causes include poorly fitting dentures and habits like biting your fingernails or a pen.

For severe cases of TMJ disorders, surgery may be necessary. However, effective TMJ therapy can relieve discomfort, protect joint health, and restore your ability to enjoy daily activities without pain! Shape

What to Expect at Innes Dental Health Group

When you visit our Ottawa office for TMJ therapy, here’s what you can expect:

  1. Consultation: We discuss your symptoms, history, and daily habits.
  2. Examination: An exam of your jaw, bite, and facial muscles.
  3. Imaging: X-rays or scans if needed to study your jaw joint.
  4. Personalized Plan: We design a therapy plan personalized to your needs.
  5. Treatment: We proudly provide oral appliances and offer tips to manage your symptoms.
  6. Follow-Up: Regular check-ins to track progress and adjust care.

Link Between Oral & Overall Health

According to John Hopkins Medicine, a recent study from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research identified several factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing chronic TMD. These factors include:
  • Clinical
  • Psychological
  • Sensory
  • Genetic
  • Nervous system

By treating TMJ problems early, you not only improve jaw comfort but also support better sleep, lower stress, and long-term well-being.

How Often / Who Needs TMJ Therapy

Here are the most common signs and symptoms of TMD:
  • Jaw discomfort or soreness (often worst in the morning or late afternoon)
  • Headaches
  • Pain that spreads to the face, eyes, neck, shoulder, and/or back
  • Earaches or ringing in the ears (not caused by an ear infection)
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Limited jaw movement
  • Teeth clenching or grinding
  • Dizziness
  • Tooth sensitivity (without another oral health problem)
  • Numbness or tingling in the fingers
  • A change in how your top and bottom teeth fit together

The symptoms of TMD can sometimes look like other medical conditions. Ensure you visit us for a proper diagnosis. TMJ disorders can affect adults of all ages. Treatment frequency depends on the severity of your condition. Some patients improve after a few months of therapy, while others may need longer-term support.

At-Home Tips Between Visits

To help ease TMJ symptoms between visits:

  • Moist Heat: If you have a dull, steady ache, moist heat can help increase blood flow, relax jaw muscles, and improve function. Soak a few washcloths in warm water and hold them to your face for about 20 minutes. Be careful to avoid burning your skin.
  • Cold Packs: When you feel a sharp pain in your jaw, cold packs can decrease inflammation, numb the pain, and help with healing. Wrap a cold pack in a thin towel and hold it on your jaw for 10-15 minutes, but no longer than 20. Repeat as needed every two hours, and do not place the cold pack directly on your skin.
  • Avoid Excessive Chewing: Chewing gum can make your jaw muscles tired and worsen TMJ symptoms.
  • Stop Clenching and Grinding: Break the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth during the day or at night.
  • Limit Wide Mouth Opening: Try to avoid activities that require you to open your mouth very wide, like yawning or singing. Also, don’t rest your chin on your hand, as this can strain your jaw.

Common Questions About TMJ Therapy

What causes TMJ disorders?

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research classifies TMD into the following categories:

  • Myofascial Pain: This is the most common type of TMD, causing pain or discomfort in the connective tissue and muscles that control the jaw, neck, and shoulder.
  • Internal Derangement of the Joint: This refers to a dislocated jaw or a displaced disk—the cartilage cushion between the jawbone and the skull, or an injury to the condyle, which is the rounded end of the jawbone.
  • Degenerative Joint Disease: This includes conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that affect the jaw joint.

Yes, TMJ can cause lasting damage to your teeth, joints, and bones. Your teeth can’t heal themselves, so any damage they get is permanent and needs to be fixed with restorative dental work. Additionally, TMJ can wear down or even permanently displace the cushioning disc in your jaw joint, which can cause your bones to grind against each other every time you move your jaw. Putting off TMJ treatment can reduce your options for fixing the issue.

Insurance coverage for TMJ diagnosis and treatment can be a frustrating issue, as many medical and dental plans don’t provide it. Some plans may offer limited coverage in certain benefit packages or if mandated. This is largely because insurance companies look for established guidelines and standards of care, and since these are often lacking for TMJ, its management is typically excluded from coverage.

You can learn about your TMJ. Get as much information as you can about your specific type of TMD. Create specific, achievable goals for managing your condition and keep participating in activities that are important to you. Sometimes mild symptoms improve with rest and home care. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you identify and change negative thought patterns while teaching you coping skills. You can also look more into biofeedback, as with the help of sensors that monitor your body, such as one on your jaw that detects when you clench your muscles, you can learn to notice this behaviour and consciously relax.

Some patients begin to notice improvements in jaw comfort and reduced headaches within just a few weeks of starting treatment. For others, especially when symptoms are more severe or long-standing, it may take several months to achieve steady relief. The timeline depends on factors such as the cause of your TMJ disorder, how consistently you follow home care instructions, and the effective use of your therapy. Regular check-ins and adjustments with your dentist also play a key role in keeping progress on track. Patience and consistency are important, but most patients find that therapy brings lasting improvements over time.

Signs You May Need TMJ Therapy Now

  • Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint (most common symptom).
  • Pain that spreads to the face or neck.
  • Jaw stiffness.
  • Limited movement or locking of the jaw.
  • Painful clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
  • Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or dizziness.
  • A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Why Choose Innes Dental Health Group for TMJ Therapy in Ottawa

At Innes Dental Health Group, we combine trusted support with a caring approach. Our Ottawa team takes time to understand your symptoms and create a therapy plan that fits your lifestyle. Patients choose us because we explain every step clearly, offer customized therapy support, and focus on long-term comfort. Our goal is to help you live without jaw pain and enjoy a healthier quality of life.

Affordability & Insurance

TMJ therapy may be partially covered under some dental or health insurance plans, depending on your policy. At Innes Dental Health Group, we provide clear estimates, review your coverage, and offer payment options to make care more affordable. Our team is here to help you focus on relief, not financial stress.

We accept all major local insurance providers. If you’re not sure if your plan is covered, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to check for you.

Please note that we do not accept the ODSP, Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, or Indigenous Services Canada Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

Ready to Find Relief?

Your comfort and well-being matter. With TMJ therapy at Innes Dental Health Group in Ottawa, you can reduce pain, protect your jaw health, and regain ease in daily life. Imagine enjoying meals, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence, all without the constant worry of jaw discomfort. Our goal is to restore not just your oral function but also your peace of mind.

Our caring team will guide you through each step, from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing support. We combine proven techniques with a personalized approach to create lasting relief. TMJ therapy can help you return to activities you love quickly.

Call our office today or click to book your TMJ therapy consultation. Together, let’s take the next step toward comfort, balance, and a healthier smile!

Call Innes Dental Health Group about TMJ Therapy today!

5 Quick Benefits of TMJ Therapy

  • Eases jaw pain and discomfort
  • Reduces headaches and facial tension
  • Improves chewing and speaking comfort
  • Helps prevent long-term joint damage
  • Supports better overall quality of life