Serving LIV and the Surrounding Communities

TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment in Southeast Burlington, ON

Ease the morning ache, calm a clicking jaw, and enjoy your meals again. Book a consultation at our LIV office on Fairview Street to learn what's causing your TMD symptoms.

TMJ/TMD Care That Targets the Source

Your jaw works every time you talk, chew, and swallow, so pain there touches your whole day. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) covers a range of problems with the jaw joint and the muscles that control it. Our team finds what's causing yours and begins with the least invasive care that can help.

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A Clear Diagnosis First

Knowing why your jaw hurts is the first step toward the right fix. Your visit includes a gentle exam of your jaw joints and the muscles in your cheeks and temples, plus a check of your bite and tooth surfaces for signs of clenching. New patients receive a complimentary digital scan that we can compare over time. You'll get an honest rundown of your options, including when the best plan is to keep an eye on things.

Gentlest Option First

Every plan here follows one principle: start small and do more only when it helps. Many patients begin with simple daily changes, such as resting the jaw, choosing softer foods, and catching themselves clenching during the day. A custom nightguard made from your digital scan protects your teeth overnight. TMJ injections can calm tight jaw muscles when earlier steps need extra support.

Visits Designed Around Your Needs

Holding your mouth open can be tough when your jaw aches, so we plan each appointment around your comfort. Visits move at a relaxed pace, with breaks whenever you ask for one. Topical numbing gel is applied before every injection, and pillows, blankets, and music help you settle in.

Why Early Care Matters

Your jaw muscles are some of the strongest in your body, and constant clenching turns that strength against your teeth. Left alone, it can cause:

Enamel wear that makes teeth sensitive and may need fillings or crowns to restore.
Cracked teeth or broken fillings from repeated pressure night after night.
Muscle tension that travels to the head, neck, and shoulders.
Jaw stiffness that makes eating, talking, and yawning uncomfortable.

Earlier care usually means simpler treatment and lower dental costs over your lifetime.

Is TMJ/TMD Behind Your Symptoms?

Jaw problems often show up in places you wouldn't expect. Consider booking a consultation if you experience:

Morning jaw ache: Waking with sore cheeks or a tight jaw is a common sign of overnight clenching.
Tension headaches: Pain at the temples or sides of the head can start in the jaw muscles.
A jaw that clicks, pops, or grates: Joint noise paired with pain can mean the joint is moving unevenly.
Jaw locking or catching: A jaw that gets stuck open or closed needs prompt attention.
Earaches with healthy ears: The joint sits beside the ear canal, so jaw pain often feels like ear pain.
Several sore teeth at once: Clenching can make a whole row of teeth feel tender with no cavity in sight.
Chipped or flattened teeth: These wear patterns are often the first visible clue of grinding.

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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

TMJ Care at LIV, Step by Step

Step one

Share Your Story

Tell us where it hurts, when it started, and what you've already tried. Details about your sleep, stress, and eating habits help us see the full picture.

Step two

Jaw and Bite Assessment

Your dentist checks your range of motion, listens for joint sounds, and feels for tender muscles. Imaging such as X-rays or a digital scan may be added when it helps with diagnosis.

Step three

Review Your Personalized Plan

We explain what we found and walk you through your options, starting with the most conservative. Many patients begin with home care and a custom nightguard.

Step four

Therapeutic Injections

If muscle tension keeps the pain going, TMJ injections can help. A small dose of medication relaxes targeted muscles, often the masseter in the cheek, to reduce the force of clenching and grinding.

Step five

Ongoing Check-Ins

Follow-up visits let us see how you're responding and adjust your care. If you'd benefit from input from another health professional, we'll let you know and help with a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does TMD usually feel like?

Most people notice a dull ache in the jaw, cheeks, or temples, often worse in the morning or after chewing. Some hear clicking or popping, and others feel stiffness when they open wide. Symptoms can come and go, which is why many people live with them longer than they need to.

Are TMJ and TMD the same thing?

TMJ is the temporomandibular joint itself, the hinge in front of each ear that lets your jaw open and close. TMD, temporomandibular disorder, refers to pain or problems in that joint and its muscles. You'll hear both terms used for jaw pain, and we're happy to help with either.

How do therapeutic injections help with jaw pain?

Therapeutic injections, which we call TMJ injections, deliver a small amount of medication into jaw muscles that are clenching too hard. As those muscles relax, the pressure on your teeth and joints eases, and pain often follows. Your dentist will let you know if your symptoms are likely to respond.

What are masseter injections?

The masseter is the thick muscle at the back of your cheek that does much of the work when you chew and clench. A masseter injection is a TMJ injection placed into that muscle to calm overactivity. For patients who clench or grind, this can ease jaw pain and reduce wear on the teeth.

Is getting a TMJ injection painful?

Most patients feel only a brief pinch. Topical numbing gel goes on first, and we check in with you the whole way through. You're always in control, and if something hurts, we stop.

How soon will I notice relief after TMJ injections?

Relief tends to build gradually after treatment, and timing varies from person to person. The effect is temporary, so some patients return for repeat visits. Your dentist will explain what to expect for your situation and plan follow-ups with you.

Do I still need a nightguard if I get TMJ injections?

Sometimes, yes. Injections help relax the muscles, while a nightguard protects your teeth from grinding overnight. Your dentist may recommend one, the other, or both based on your symptoms.

Can stress make jaw pain worse?

Yes. Many people clench their teeth when they're stressed, both during the day and in their sleep. Noticing when you clench, keeping your teeth slightly apart at rest, and treating the muscle tension can all help break the cycle.

Will my insurance cover TMJ treatment?

That depends on your plan and the treatment involved. Nightguards are covered by some plans, and coverage for TMJ injections varies. We follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, submit claims for you, and go over all costs before treatment starts.

Can I be seen at either location for TMJ care?

Yes. TMJ care is offered at our LIV office and our sister office, The Dental Manor at Headon. Your records are shared and pricing is identical, so you can book wherever is most convenient.

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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