TMJ Treatment

What Is TMJ, and Why Does It Hurt?

Your temporomandibular joints are the two hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull, one in front of each ear. They work every time you talk, chew, yawn or swallow. When the joints or the muscles around them become irritated or strained, the result is often called a TMJ disorder, or TMD.

There is rarely one single cause. Clenching, grinding, stress, a past injury or an uneven bite can all play a part, and your dentist looks at what applies to you.

Common TMJ Disorder Symptoms

Patients often come to us because of one or more of these:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially around the ears
• Clicking, popping or grating when you open or close your mouth
• Headaches that seem to start near the temples or jaw
• A jaw that feels stiff, tired or hard to open wide
• Waking up with a sore face from clenching overnight

If this sounds familiar, you do not have to put up with it. Describe what you notice and when it happens, and we will take it from there.

How We Approach TMJ Treatment in NE Calgary

1. Consultation and exam. We ask about your symptoms and examine your jaw, teeth and bite.
2. A plan built around you. Your treatment plan reflects your needs, not a template.
3. Clear communication. Your dentist explains what is going on and what each step is meant to do.
4. Dietary and hygiene guidance. We give you practical advice to support healing between visits.

When Clenching and Grinding Are Part of the Story

Many jaw problems are linked to clenching or grinding, often during sleep. A custom-fitted night guard cushions your teeth and can help protect them from wear while easing strain on the jaw. Read more about night guards and sports guards if you suspect this applies to you.

If you also snore or wake unrefreshed, see our page on sleep apnea and snore guards, since sleep and jaw comfort are often connected.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your first appointment is a conversation as much as an exam. Bring a list of your symptoms, when they started and anything that makes them better or worse. We will explain what we find in plain language and talk through your options before anything starts.

Feeling nervous? Ask us about sedation dentistry options for anxious patients, which we can discuss at your consultation.

TMJ Treatment Cost, Insurance and Financing

The cost of TMJ treatment depends on your plan, so we give you a detailed estimate before any work begins. We follow the ADA Fee Guide with transparent pricing.

• Direct billing to most insurance plans, and we file your claims for you
• CDCP accepted, and NIHB for eligible First Nations and Inuit patients
• 0% financing, in-office and third-party financing, and flexible payment options

Why Choose Oasis for a TMJ Dentist in Northeast Calgary

We are a neighbourhood dentist on 20 Ave NE in T1Y, welcoming patients from across Northeast Calgary, including Pineridge, Rundle, Whitehorn, Temple, Martindale and Abbeydale. Our doors are open seven days a week, 9 AM to 8 PM, and same-day appointments are available.

We keep care gentle, honest and judgment-free, and our team speaks English, Punjabi, Arabic and Tagalog.

Looking After Your Jaw Between Visits

Small habits help. Notice when you clench during the day, avoid chewing very hard foods while you are sore and follow the dietary and hygiene guidance your dentist gives you. If you ever have a sudden jaw injury, see our emergency dentist page.

Frequently Asked Questions