Jaw pain is not normal.
If jaw pain is part of your everyday life, it may seem normal to you. The truth is, jaw pain is far from normal and may be a symptom of a condition called TMD from one or both of your TMJs. Those are the joints of your lower jaw, called TemporoMandibular Joints. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding area becomes inflamed — which is what causes pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches, tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment of TMD begins with a comprehensive clinical examination, to check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we will check for pain and tenderness and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If the disorder is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the initial treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment application involves bite splints, which are custom-created plastic mouthpieces, designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These type of devices prevent the grinding and clenching that often causes or worsens TMD. The splint also realigns the jaw, removing stress on the surrounding area.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend orthodontics or restorative dental work. If your bite is placing undue pressure on the TMJ’s, we may suggest reshaping individual teeth to redistribute the bite force evenly.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. If this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed we refer to that as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD for short.
Signs or symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples. Other symptoms are problems opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when you chew, yawn or open your mouth. TMDs may be linked with neck pain and headaches.
TMD is caused by a combination of factors like jaw injuries and joint disease, such as arthritis. It’s believed that bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and head or neck muscle tension may make TMD symptoms worse. Stress is also a possible factor. However, it is not clear if stress causes TMD or is a result. Other things that may lead to TMDs are partial or full dentures that are not the right fit and certain habits such as fingernail biting and pen or pencil biting. As you can see, there are an array of different causes which makes TMD hard to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain symptoms are to book an appointment.
There are many possible causes of headaches. No doctor will be able to determine the cause of your headache without a physical examination.
Most often, TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non-invasive treatments and therapies. In very rare circumstances, TMD may require surgery. Your health and happiness are both important to us. We will always present you with all of your options, work through the safest and easiest options first, and give you the final decision on what happens next.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Dave and Debbie
3 months ago
Julie cleaned my teeth today. She was wonderful. Very professional and clearly explained to me ways that would help me maintain a healthy mouth. Highly recommend her.
My dentist and the office staff are exceptional as well.
Aaron Miles
3 months ago
This team is incredible. Dr. Danyal was very informative and comforting in his expertise and experience during today's appointment.
My biggest phobia in life has always been "the dentist" thus, avoiding them has regrettably taken its toll on my teeth.
Now, I am having to do some extensive repairs and cosmetic upgrades.
This team has won me over. Not just by their outstanding customer service and professionalism, but mainly their integrity and approach.
I have been to other dentists that seem to simply want to stack, quickly add to an astronomical up comming bill without any concern to my personal situation.
Dustin, the office manager took the time to explain each process and suggested a timeline that was suitable to my other medical issues (diabetes) which has allowed for my body to properly heal. As well, as my anxiety 🙃.
Today I was greeted by Sarah (the dental assistant) whom could have easily been mistaken for the doctor with her ability to answer all.of my questions, layered with sunshine.
Thanks to the team at Cottage Country Dental for bringing back my smile. 😁
Deb
6 months ago
Dr Pag has been great, very professional really cares that the end result is perfect.
I recently had a crown done, had some issues, Dustin passed on my concerns and with no hesitation they had me in for a complete replacement to make it right.
Sarah was fantastic, very informative.
Would not hesitate to recommend the team.
Shel Neges
6 months ago
The staff was so friendly and supportive. They understand that seeing a dentist can be traumatic for some. They were thorough and compassionate, with wonderful insights and helpful tips. I would recommend this dental practice to everyone I know. As much as I dislike going to the dentist, I look forward to seeing them again!! Thank you for the amazing care!
Rhonda Way
6 months ago
This is the best dental office! I switched to this office from one I had gone to for years in Gravenhurst a few years ago. What a difference! It is well worth the drive! Everyone from the admin staff to the hygienists, assistants, and the dentists are extremely caring. I wasn’t used to such amazing treatment. I was just there again today to have some old fillings fixed and replaced. I take forever to freeze and they are WAY more understanding of that and truly care about their patients comfort. They take their time with you, check and re-check with you constantly to ensure you’re okay and even offer you a break if you need it. The office is bright, cheerful, clean and the rooms have a view of the trees. If you are even considering a switch give this office a try as I know you won’t look back! They are amazing with kids as well. My daughter’s last visit was awesome and she came out smiling and said she was vibing out with her hygienist as she let my kid pick the music as her teeth were cleaned. She also had extractions done there to prepare for braces and said it didn’t hurt at all! I would give this office a 6 out of 5 if I could. The only thing they are missing is the sliced cucumbers for your eyes because they make you feel so comfortable you might as well be at a spa! Go check them out and see what patient care should be! Thanks for taking great care of me and my family ❤️
Dave and Debbie
3 months ago
Julie cleaned my teeth today. She was wonderful. Very professional and clearly explained to me ways that would help me maintain a healthy mouth. Highly recommend her.
My dentist and the office staff are exceptional as well.
Aaron Miles
3 months ago
This team is incredible. Dr. Danyal was very informative and comforting in his expertise and experience during today's appointment.
My biggest phobia in life has always been "the dentist" thus, avoiding them has regrettably taken its toll on my teeth.
Now, I am having to do some extensive repairs and cosmetic upgrades.
This team has won me over. Not just by their outstanding customer service and professionalism, but mainly their integrity and approach.
I have been to other dentists that seem to simply want to stack, quickly add to an astronomical up comming bill without any concern to my personal situation.
Dustin, the office manager took the time to explain each process and suggested a timeline that was suitable to my other medical issues (diabetes) which has allowed for my body to properly heal. As well, as my anxiety 🙃.
Today I was greeted by Sarah (the dental assistant) whom could have easily been mistaken for the doctor with her ability to answer all.of my questions, layered with sunshine.
Thanks to the team at Cottage Country Dental for bringing back my smile. 😁
Deb
6 months ago
Dr Pag has been great, very professional really cares that the end result is perfect.
I recently had a crown done, had some issues, Dustin passed on my concerns and with no hesitation they had me in for a complete replacement to make it right.
Sarah was fantastic, very informative.
Would not hesitate to recommend the team.
Shel Neges
6 months ago
The staff was so friendly and supportive. They understand that seeing a dentist can be traumatic for some. They were thorough and compassionate, with wonderful insights and helpful tips. I would recommend this dental practice to everyone I know. As much as I dislike going to the dentist, I look forward to seeing them again!! Thank you for the amazing care!
Rhonda Way
6 months ago
This is the best dental office! I switched to this office from one I had gone to for years in Gravenhurst a few years ago. What a difference! It is well worth the drive! Everyone from the admin staff to the hygienists, assistants, and the dentists are extremely caring. I wasn’t used to such amazing treatment. I was just there again today to have some old fillings fixed and replaced. I take forever to freeze and they are WAY more understanding of that and truly care about their patients comfort. They take their time with you, check and re-check with you constantly to ensure you’re okay and even offer you a break if you need it. The office is bright, cheerful, clean and the rooms have a view of the trees. If you are even considering a switch give this office a try as I know you won’t look back! They are amazing with kids as well. My daughter’s last visit was awesome and she came out smiling and said she was vibing out with her hygienist as she let my kid pick the music as her teeth were cleaned. She also had extractions done there to prepare for braces and said it didn’t hurt at all! I would give this office a 6 out of 5 if I could. The only thing they are missing is the sliced cucumbers for your eyes because they make you feel so comfortable you might as well be at a spa! Go check them out and see what patient care should be! Thanks for taking great care of me and my family ❤️
