TMJ/TMD Care focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders related to the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)—the complex joint that connects your jawbone to your skull and is essential for chewing and speaking. Dysfunction of this joint (known as TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorder) can cause chronic facial pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. At Prime Smile Dental, we provide thorough evaluation and offer conservative, non-surgical therapies aimed at alleviating pain, restoring proper joint function, and improving your quality of life.
TMD symptoms arise from issues with the jaw joints, the surrounding muscles, or the misalignment of the bite (occlusion). Our care focuses on conservative, reversible treatments tailored to reduce muscle tension, stabilize the joint, and manage pain.
Our non-surgical TMJ/TMD treatment options include:
Alleviates chronic, debilitating pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders often associated with TMD.
Treats tension-type headaches and even migraines that are often triggered by muscle strain from teeth grinding or clenching.
Custom splints protect the teeth from wear (bruxism) and prevent the displacement of the joint disc, reducing clicking and locking.
Improves the ability to open and close the mouth comfortably, allowing for easier chewing and speaking.
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective TMD treatment:
Step 1Comprehensive Examination
Detailed assessment of the joint, including listening for clicking or popping sounds, palpating (gently feeling) the jaw muscles for tenderness, and evaluating your bite alignment and range of motion.
Step 2Diagnostics
X-rays, digital scans, or sometimes a 3D CBCT scan may be taken to examine the health of the joint components and supporting bone structure.
Step 3Custom Appliance Design
If a custom oral splint (night guard) is indicated, precise impressions of your teeth are taken to fabricate an appliance that repositions your jaw into a stable, relaxed position.
Step 4Appliance Fitting and Adjustment
The appliance is fitted and carefully adjusted to ensure a proper, balanced bite. We provide detailed instructions on wear schedule and cleaning.
Step 5Follow-up and Ongoing Management
Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor symptoms, make adjustments to the appliance, and guide you through home care strategies until stability and comfort are achieved.
Conservative therapy is highly effective for patients experiencing symptoms such as:
Persistent dull ache or tenderness in the face, temple, or neck area.
Audible sounds when opening or closing the jaw, indicating joint disc displacement.
Difficulty or pain when fully opening the mouth, yawning, or chewing hard foods.
Headaches, often worse in the morning, resulting from nocturnal clenching or grinding (bruxism).
The cost of TMJ care in Aurora depends on the type of evaluation and treatment recommended. TMJ concerns can range from mild jaw tension to more persistent symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, facial soreness, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth comfortably. Costs can vary based on whether your visit includes an exam, bite assessment, and any recommended diagnostic imaging. Treatment pricing also depends on the approach used—such as home-care guidance, bite support, or a custom night guard when grinding and clenching are contributing factors.
At Prime Smile Dental in Aurora, Ontario, we begin by understanding your symptoms and evaluating your jaw function and bite. We then explain the most appropriate next steps and provide a clear estimate before moving forward. Our team can also help review your insurance or CDCP information and explain expected costs whenever possible.
TMJ care at Prime Smile Dental is guided by Dr. Shideh Khalilakbar, our lead dentist. Dr. Khalilakbar takes a careful, patient-first approach—assessing jaw movement, muscle tension, bite alignment, and signs of clenching or grinding that may be stressing the TMJ. She explains what may be contributing to your symptoms and recommends practical, manageable solutions designed to reduce strain and protect your teeth and jaw over time.
Choosing a dental clinic is about more than services, it’s about feeling comfortable, informed, and confident in your care. At Prime Smile Dental in Aurora, we focus on clear communication, a calm environment, and consistent clinical standards for every patient.
We take time to listen to your concerns, explain findings in plain language, and walk you through treatment options so you can make informed decisions.
We accept CDCP and work with most dental insurance plans. Our team can help you understand coverage, billing, and expected costs before treatment whenever possible.
From a welcoming atmosphere to a gentle approach, our team works to make appointments feel calm and manageable—especially for patients who feel anxious about dental visits.
We use updated tools and thorough assessments to support accurate diagnosis and thoughtful treatment planning, with your long-term oral health in mind.
Many patients experience initial relief from muscle tension and pain within days or weeks of consistently wearing the custom night guard. Full muscle relaxation and stability may take several months.
It depends on the cause of your TMD. If the issue is chronic bruxism (grinding), continuous night use may be required to protect your teeth and maintain muscle relaxation. For temporary flare-ups, wear may only be needed for a few months.
Yes. Emotional and psychological stress often leads to increased unconscious muscle tension, clenching, and grinding (bruxism), which is a major contributing factor to TMD pain and flare-ups.
During acute painful periods, we recommend a soft diet. Avoid chewing gum, tough cuts of meat, raw vegetables, and hard or crunchy foods (like nuts or hard bread crusts) to rest the jaw muscles and joint.
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or teeth grinding, book a TMJ consultation at Prime Smile Dental in Aurora. Call the clinic or request an appointment online to get a clear assessment and a personalized care plan.
