Serving Headon and the Surrounding Communities

TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment in Northwest Burlington, ON

Wake up with a relaxed jaw, chew comfortably, and get through your day with a clear, comfortable head. Book a consultation at our Headon office and we'll help you find out what's behind your jaw pain.

Find the Cause, Then Start Gently

TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the name for problems with the jaw joints and the muscles that move them. Most cases improve with simple, conservative care. We start with the least invasive option that can bring you relief and add more only if you need it.

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Answers About Your Symptoms

Jaw pain can come from clenching, grinding, bite changes, stress, or the joint itself, and the right care depends on which one is at play. Your assessment includes a hands-on check of your jaw joints and chewing muscles and a close look at your teeth for signs of grinding. New patients also receive a complimentary digital scan to track wear over time, and we explain everything we find in plain language.

Relief That Starts Simple

Dr. Manor's philosophy is to treat what needs treating and protect what doesn't. For jaw pain, that usually means starting with practical habits like softer foods, jaw rest, and warm compresses, which help many patients feel better. A custom nightguard can cushion your teeth and ease pressure on your jaw while you sleep. TMJ injections are added when tight, overworked muscles keep the pain going.

Your Comfort Sets the Pace

Opening wide can be hard when your jaw is sore, so every visit is planned around what feels manageable for you. Topical numbing gel goes on before any injection, so the first thing you feel is gentle. We check in often and build in breaks to give a tired jaw time to rest, and pillows, blankets, music, and ceiling-mounted TVs help you settle in.

When Jaw Tension Goes Untreated

Clenching and grinding put a lot of force on your teeth and jaw, often for hours each night. Over time, that pressure can lead to:

Worn, flattened, or cracked teeth, which may eventually need fillings or crowns to repair.
Ongoing muscle soreness that spreads into the temples, neck, and shoulders.
Headaches that show up most mornings and are easy to blame on stress or sinuses.
A jaw that clicks, catches, or locks, making meals and yawning uncomfortable.

Catching it early keeps treatment simple and helps protect your teeth from costly damage down the road.

Signs Your Jaw Needs Help

TMD looks different from person to person, and many patients don't connect their symptoms to their jaw at first. Book a visit if you notice:

Soreness when you wake up: A tired or achy jaw first thing in the morning often means you've been clenching or grinding overnight.
Clicking or popping with pain: A noisy jaw is common, and when discomfort comes with it, it's worth a closer look.
Headaches near your temples: The muscles that close your jaw run up the sides of your head, so tension there can feel like a headache.
Ear pain or fullness: The jaw joint sits just in front of your ear, so joint inflammation can feel like an earache.
Trouble opening wide: If biting into a sandwich or yawning feels stiff or limited, the joint or muscles may be strained.
Teeth that look shorter or chipped: Flat edges and small chips are common clues of grinding.
A partner who hears grinding at night: Many people grind in their sleep and only find out when someone tells them.

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Insurance & financing

We've got you covered

We work with all providers and follow Ontario's fee guide at both locations, so there are never any surprise costs. Give us a call or book online and we'll happily sort out the details with you.

Headon

(289) 672-3372

LIV

(289) 379-7965

What to expect

Your Path to Relief

Every plan begins with understanding your symptoms, then moves forward one step at a time.

Step one

Talk Through Your Symptoms

We'll ask when the pain shows up, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your sleep and meals. Your answers help us spot patterns, like stress or nighttime clenching.

Step two

Jaw, Muscle, and Bite Exam

Your dentist gently checks how your jaw opens and closes, feels the muscles for tenderness, and looks at your teeth for signs of wear. X-rays or a digital scan may be added if they'll give us useful information.

Step three

Start With Conservative Care

For many patients, the first plan includes simple home care and a custom nightguard. Your nightguard is made from a digital scan of your teeth for a comfortable, accurate fit.

Step four

Add TMJ Injections if Needed

If tight jaw muscles keep the pain going, your dentist may recommend therapeutic injections. A small amount of medication is placed into specific muscles, such as the masseter (the large chewing muscle at the back of your cheek), to help it relax and ease clenching and grinding.

Step five

Follow Up and Adjust

We check on your progress, fine-tune your nightguard if needed, and decide together whether to continue, change, or scale back treatment. If your symptoms call for another health professional, we'll tell you and help you find the right next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is the name for problems that affect those joints and the muscles around them. Many people say "TMJ" when they mean the disorder, and both terms describe the same kind of jaw pain.

What causes jaw pain and TMD?

Common causes include clenching or grinding, stress, bite changes, injury, and arthritis in the joint. Often more than one factor is involved. Your assessment helps us sort out which ones apply to you so treatment targets the real source.

What are TMJ injections?

TMJ injections, also called therapeutic injections, place a small amount of medication into jaw muscles that are overworking. The medication helps those muscles relax, which can ease pain, clenching, and grinding. Your dentist will explain whether they suit your symptoms and what results to expect.

Are masseter injections the same as TMJ injections?

Masseter injections are one type of TMJ injection. The masseter is the strong chewing muscle you can feel at the back of your cheek when you clench. Relaxing it with a therapeutic injection can reduce the force of clenching and grinding and ease the jaw pain that comes with it.

Do TMJ injections hurt?

Most patients describe a quick pinch. We apply topical numbing gel first and check in with you throughout. If something hurts, we stop.

How long do the results of TMJ injections last?

Results are temporary and fade gradually as the muscle regains its strength. How long relief lasts varies from person to person, and some patients come back for repeat treatment. Your dentist will give you a realistic timeline and recommend how often follow-up visits make sense.

Will a nightguard help my jaw pain?

For many people who clench or grind at night, yes. A custom nightguard creates a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, protects them from wear, and lightens the load on your jaw while you sleep. It's often one of the first things we recommend because it's simple and non-invasive.

Can TMD go away on its own?

Mild jaw pain sometimes settles with rest, softer foods, and less stress. Symptoms that keep coming back, or that affect how you eat and sleep, deserve an assessment. Early care protects your teeth and keeps your options simple.

Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?

Coverage depends on your plan and the treatment you choose. Some plans cover nightguards, and coverage for TMJ injections varies. We follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, submit claims directly to your provider, and review costs with you before treatment begins.

Do I need a referral to book a TMJ consultation?

You can book directly with our Headon office, and new patients are always welcome. Bring a list of your symptoms and any past treatments so we can make the most of your visit.

Connect with us

We would love to meet you

Whether you're looking for a new dental home, coming back after a while away, or just finally ready to book that appointment, we're here, and we'd love to welcome you. New patients are always welcome at both locations. Book online or give us a call, we'll take great care of you.

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