General Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON

TMJ Therapy in Thunder Bay, ON

TMJ therapy addresses pain and stiffness in the jaw joint and the muscles around it. Dr. Ameen looks at what’s behind your symptoms first, then builds a plan around what he finds.

What Is TMJ Therapy?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It’s the joint on each side of your head that connects your jawbone to your skull, and it’s what lets you open and close your mouth, chew, and speak. TMJ therapy is the care Dr. Ameen provides when that joint, or the muscles around it, are causing pain or trouble moving normally. What this care looks like depends on your symptoms. It might mean a night guard, an adjustment to how your teeth meet, jaw exercises, or a combination of steps. Dr. Ameen puts a plan together after he understands what’s going on with your jaw.

Signs You Might Need TMJ Therapy

TMJ problems can show up in different ways. Here are some of the more common signs patients bring up with Dr. Ameen.

Jaw Pain or Soreness

An ache in front of your ear, along your jawline, or in the muscles you use to chew.

Clicking or Popping Sounds

A clicking, popping, or grating sound when you open or close your mouth.

Trouble Opening or Closing Fully

A jaw that feels stuck, locked, or limited when you try to open wide.

What Happens During Treatment

Here’s what a typical course of TMJ therapy looks like with Dr. Ameen.

Talking Through Your Symptoms

Dr. Ameen asks about your pain, when it happens, and anything that seems to make it better or worse.

A Close Look at Your Jaw

He checks how your jaw moves, listens for clicking or popping, and looks at how your teeth come together.

Building a Treatment Plan

Depending on what he finds, this may include a custom night guard, a bite adjustment, or exercises for the jaw muscles.

Follow Up Visits

Dr. Ameen checks how you’re responding and adjusts the plan if your symptoms change.

Living With Your Treatment

Is This Right for You?

TMJ therapy may be worth discussing with Dr. Ameen if any of the following sound familiar.

Jaw Pain That Lingers

Soreness or aching around the jaw that has stuck around for more than a week or two.

Waking Up With a Sore Jaw

Morning jaw or facial soreness, which can point to clenching or grinding overnight.

Clicking, Popping, or Locking

Noises or a stuck feeling in the jaw when you chew, yawn, or open wide.

Understanding Cost and Insurance

Billing for TMJ therapy depends on what your treatment plan includes, whether that’s an exam, a night guard, a bite adjustment, or a combination of these. Dr. Ameen’s team gives you an exact quote before any treatment begins, and that quoted fee covers the full service, applying the same way to every patient regardless of insurance coverage. Our front desk reviews your specific insurance benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect.

A Quote Before You Start

You’ll know the cost of your treatment plan before you commit to it.

Insurance Coordination

We check your specific benefits ahead of time so you know what your plan covers.

Coverage Can Vary

Whether TMJ therapy is covered often depends on the specific treatment involved, so we confirm this with your plan directly.

TMJ Therapy FAQs

Care focused on the jaw joint and the muscles around it. It can include a night guard, an adjustment to how your teeth meet, or exercises for the jaw, depending on what’s causing your symptoms.

What is TMJ therapy?

Care focused on the jaw joint and the muscles around it. It can include a night guard, an adjustment to how your teeth meet, or exercises for the jaw, depending on what’s causing your symptoms.

What causes TMJ pain?

Several things can contribute, including clenching, grinding, injury, or muscle tension. Dr. Ameen reviews your specific symptoms to understand what may be behind yours.

Is TMJ therapy painful?

The exam and most treatment steps don’t involve discomfort. If any part of your plan could feel different, Dr. Ameen will explain it beforehand.

Will I need a night guard?

Not everyone does. Dr. Ameen recommends one only when your exam and symptoms point to clenching or grinding as a factor.

How long does TMJ therapy take to work?

This varies from person to person. Dr. Ameen will go over a general timeline once he understands what’s contributing to your symptoms.

Ready for a healthier smile?

New patients welcome. Direct billing to most insurance plans.

Redwood Dental has been serving families across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario for over two decades.