logo for Ottawa TMJ & Sleep Apnea Clinic in blue
Refer a Patient
Request an Appointment

TMJ Therapy for Jaw Pain & Facial Pain in Ottawa

Evidence-based, non-surgical TMJ treatment that addresses the underlying cause of your jaw and facial pain, not just the symptoms.

Request an Appointment

When Jaw Pain Gets in the Way of Everyday Life

Jaw pain, clicking or stiffness can make simple things hard: eating a meal, talking through a meeting, yawning or sleeping comfortably. Many people live with these symptoms for months before having their jaw assessed.

These problems often come from the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and the muscles that move your jaw. When the joints and muscles aren’t working well together, you can feel it in your jaw, face, ears, head or neck. This is known as a TMJ disorder, or TMD.

At Ottawa TMJ & Sleep Apnea Clinic, Dr. Dahan, a general dentist whose practice is devoted to TMJ disorders, facial pain and dental sleep medicine, assesses how your jaw joints, muscles and bite work together. We then build a non-surgical diagnosis and treatment plan around what we find.

What Is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?

You have two temporomandibular joints (TMJs), one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. They work like hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull. You use them every time you chew, talk, yawn or swallow.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is an umbrella term for problems with pain and movement in the jaw joints and the muscles around them. Many people simply call it “TMJ.” Because the jaw, face and neck are closely connected, the source of the pain isn’t always easy to pinpoint.

TMJ disorders can make it hard to eat, speak or sleep comfortably. That’s why we start with a careful assessment. Finding what is driving your symptoms is the first step toward the right treatment.

Are You Experiencing These Symptoms?

TMJ disorders don’t look the same in everyone. Some people have constant jaw pain; others notice clicking, stiffness or headaches that come and go. If any of the following sound familiar, a TMJ assessment can help find out why.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

  • Jaw pain or tenderness.
  • Clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth.
  • Difficulty chewing or biting.
  • Jaw locking or restricted jaw movement.
  • Ear pain, fullness or ringing in the ears.
  • Facial pain or tension.
  • Neck and shoulder pain.
  • Swelling on the side of the face.
  • Tooth pain without an obvious dental cause.
  • Disrupted sleep.
  • Difficulty opening your mouth wide.
  • Headaches, especially around the temples..

If you have two or more of these symptoms, book an assessment to find out whether your jaw is involved. We can help you alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Request an Appointment

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders usually have more than one cause. These are some of the most common factors.

Teeth Grinding & Clenching (Bruxism)

Many people grind or clench their teeth at night, or while concentrating, without realizing it. The constant pressure overworks the jaw muscles and strains the joints.

Stress & Muscle Tension

Stress often shows up in the jaw as daytime clenching, tight facial muscles and poor sleep. All of these can keep TMJ pain going.

Jaw Injury or Strain

A blow to the jaw, a whiplash injury, or holding your mouth open wide for a long time (such as during a long dental visit) can strain or damage the joint.

Arthritis & Joint Changes

Arthritis, or changes inside the joint such as a displaced joint disc, can cause pain and dysfunction, clicking and limited movement. Genetics may also play a part.

When Should You Have Your Jaw Assessed for Temporomandibular Disorder?

Mild jaw soreness or an occasional click often settles on its own with rest and simple self-care. When symptoms last, keep coming back or start to affect daily life, it’s worth having your jaw looked at.

Consider booking an assessment if:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness has lasted more than a few weeks.
  • Your jaw locks, catches or won’t open fully.
  • Popping or clicking comes with pain.
  • Pain makes it hard to eat, talk or sleep.
  • You often wake up with a sore jaw, tired facial muscles or a headache.
  • Self-care hasn’t helped, or your symptoms keep returning.

You don’t need a referral to book. Most TMJ disorders can be managed without surgery, and an assessment is the first step toward a plan that fits your situation.

How Our TMJ Practitioners Treat TMJ Disorders in Ottawa

At Ottawa TMJ & Sleep Apnea Clinic, we focus on finding and treating the root cause of your TMJ disorder rather than just masking symptoms. Dr. Dahan takes a comprehensive, holistic approach that considers your complete health picture, not just your jaw.

Our TMD treatment philosophy centers on non-surgical, evidence-based therapies that work with your body’s natural healing processes. Depending on your specific condition, treatment options may include custom oral appliances (such as night guards), therapeutic exercises, certain lifestyle changes, and in some cases, advanced therapeutic treatment for muscle tension relief.

Each treatment plan is personalized based on your unique symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We take the time to thoroughly assess your condition through clinical examination and, when necessary, diagnostic imaging to ensure we’re addressing the true source of your pain.

Most temporomandibular joint disorders can be effectively treated without surgery. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting relief and restore normal jaw function so you can eat, speak, and live comfortably again.

If headaches or migraines are your main concern, see how we can help relieve pain with TMJ headache & migraine treatment.

Custom Oral Appliances

A custom oral appliance, sometimes called a splint or night guard, is worn mainly while you sleep. It protects your teeth from grinding and reduces strain on your jaw muscles and joints. Appliances are made in our in-house lab and adjusted at follow-up visits for comfort and fit.

Therapeutic BOTOX® for Migraines

Therapeutic BOTOX® is clinically distinct from cosmetic BOTOX®. It is the first FDA-approved treatment to prevent chronic migraines.

Therapeutic BOTOX® works differently than painkillers instead of treating headaches after they start, it can prevent them from occurring in the first place. BOTOX® is the first FDA-approved preventative treatment for chronic migraines.

The treatment works by blocking pain signals (neurotransmitters) from reaching your head and neck area. When injected into specific facial and jaw muscles by Dr. Dahan, BOTOX® helps prevent the muscle tension that triggers TMJ-related migraines. Most patients see improvement within 10-14 days after treatment, with effects lasting approximately 12 weeks.

Unlike oral medications, BOTOX® treatment is administered during brief office visits every 12 weeks. Treatments become more effective with each session, and many patients report fewer migraine days and reduced missed work or activities.

Jaw Exercises & Physiotherapy

Targeted therapeutic exercises strengthen and relax the jaw muscles, gradually reducing the chronic tension that fuels your headaches. Dr. Dahan will also work with you on practical lifestyle adjustments such as posture awareness, stress management techniques, and dietary considerations that reduce the frequency of flare-ups between sessions of treatment for TMJ disorder.

Lifestyle & Self-Care Strategies

Small daily changes at home can help reduce the strain on your jaw: catching and breaking clenching habits, choosing softer foods during TMJ flare-ups, improving posture and managing stress. We’ll give you practical steps to use between visits.

Your Treatment Journey for Temporomandibular Disorders

Initial Assessment (60-90 minutes)

Your comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Dahan includes a complete medical and dental history review, thorough clinical examination of your jaw and bite, and discussion of your symptoms and goals.

Custom Treatment Plan (Within 48 hours)

We’ll present a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs. You’ll understand exactly what’s causing your pain and how we’ll address it.

Begin Treatment & Ongoing Care

Start your path to relief with proven therapies. We provide regular monitoring and adjustments to ensure your treatment is effective and comfortable, with ongoing support throughout your journey.

Learn more about our process and pricing

Ready to Find Relief from TMJ Pain?

Find lasting relief by addressing the root cause. Schedule your comprehensive assessment with Dr. Dahan today.

Request an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions about TMJ Therapy

What causes TMJ disorders?
How do I know if my jaw pain is TMJ-related?
Will I need surgery?
Do I need a referral?
How long does treatment take?
Will my TMJ disorder go away?
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
What can I do at home to ease TMJ pain?
What causes TMJ disorders?

TMJ problems can result from various factors including grinding your teeth (bruxism), jaw clenching, injury to the jaw, arthritis, genetics, stress, or misalignment of teeth or jaw. Often, it’s a combination of factors. Dr. Dahan will help identify the specific causes in your case.

How do I know if my jaw pain is TMJ-related?

Jaw pain that comes with clicking, locking, limited opening or sore muscles in front of the ears is often linked to the TMJs. Similar pain can also come from the teeth, sinuses or nerves, so an examination is needed to find the source.

Will I need surgery?

Most TMJ disorders can be effectively treated without surgery. We focus on non-surgical, conservative approaches including custom oral appliances, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is rarely necessary and only considered in extreme cases.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book an assessment directly, without a referral from your doctor or dentist. If you have recent x-rays or medical records, please bring them to your first visit. Healthcare providers can also refer patients using our referral form.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment duration varies based on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to therapy. Many patients experience improvement within the first few weeks, though complete resolution may take several months. We’ll provide a realistic timeline during your consultation.

Will my TMJ disorder go away?

Many TMJ disorders improve with conservative care, and some settle on their own. We can’t promise a specific outcome. Our goal is to reduce your pain, improve how your jaw works and give you the tools to manage flare-ups over the long term.

Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for TMJ treatment. We’ll provide detailed receipts with appropriate insurance codes for reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about your specific coverage.

What can I do at home to ease TMJ pain?

For short-term relief, try a cold or warm compress on the sore area, eat soft foods, avoid wide yawning and gum chewing, and practise relaxation techniques. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help; ask your pharmacist what is right for you. If the pain is severe or your jaw locks, call us at (613) 454-1854.

Menu