Specialized Care for TMD and Facial Pain

About TMD Therapeutics

We are proud to be Atlantic Canada’s largest and longest-established Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) clinic. Since 2005, we have been treating a wide range of facial pain conditions, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, muscle and soft tissue disorders, headaches, migraines, and various neurological pain conditions, using non-surgical, evidence-based and diagnostically-driven therapy approach.

Our expertise in managing TMD and facial pain has established a thriving clinic that welcomes patients from across Atlantic Canada. Patients may self-refer or be referred by their dentist, physician, or other healthcare professional.

Our clinic is built on integrity, respect, compassion, empathy, teamwork, and loyalty. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to improving your health and well-being by providing an accurate diagnosis, education about your condition, and a range of personalized treatment options.

We have an on-site laboratory equipped with innovative technology, where skilled technicians handcraft custom-fitted intraoral appliances tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Your jaw is one of the most frequently used joints in your body. Pain and dysfunction of the TMJ and surrounding soft tissues affect eating, drinking, talking, and many normal daily activities, which is why jaw and TMJ health is so important. Other symptoms, such as chronic headaches, migraines, tension headaches, dental pain from tooth clenching and/or grinding (bruxism), and nerve pain (neuropathic pain), can negatively impact your quality of life. Consider a visit to our clinic if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Discomfort or pain in your jaw joint (TMJ)

  • Jaw pain or tenderness

  • Difficulty opening your mouth fully

  • Aching around your ears or temples

  • Ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears (tinnitus)

  • Headaches

  • Myofascial pain and trigger points of the head, neck, and jaw

  • Facial and neck pain

  • Jaw locking or restricted movement

  • A sensation that your bite feels off

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds while you are chewing 

  • Fatigue, pain, or discomfort when chewing or drinking

  • Joint dislocation or open locking of the jaw

Learn more about booking an appointment on our referrals page or by contacting our office.

What Causes TMD?

There can be many causes of TMD (temporomandibular disorders), often involving the relationship between the upper and lower teeth, the temporomandibular joints, supporting ligaments, and associated muscles. Just as nutrition affects teeth and joints, other contributing factors may include:

  • Trauma: Direct and indirect trauma to the masticatory structures and upper teeth can lead to TMD, as well as the head, neck and facial pain. Strains, sprains, and injuries can lead to both pain and dysfunction.

  • Improper occlusion: Occasionally, when teeth do not fit together properly, sustained microtrauma can occur within the jaw joints. When this condition is prolonged, the body begins to compensate by involving muscles in other areas, such as the neck, throat, and upper back.

  • Muscle hyperactivity: This often goes hand in hand with internal jaw joint problems. Any condition that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony can contribute to TMD. Factors that may disrupt this system include trauma, connective tissue disorders, arthritis, or skeletal malformations.

  • Posture: Poor posture places unnecessary wear and tear on all joints, including the jaw joints. Over time, the consequences of postural neglect can be as damaging as an injury.

  • Stress: Increased physical and emotional stress is another factor that can affect patients because it reduces the body’s ability to adapt to strain on the jaw. Some patients unconsciously clench their teeth in response to increased stress. Chronic clenching and bruxing can place additional strain on the TMJs and muscles, which can exacerbate TMD symptoms.

  • Lifestyle: There may be certain lifestyle and work modifications that may help improve your prognosis. Our dentists can help assess the impact of your diet, medications, and environment on your pain, and educate you on how to improve your symptoms holistically.

  • Other: Although you may have been diagnosed with TMD, there may be other contributing factors to your facial pain, such as neck problems, headaches, and nerve-related pain conditions. It is best to talk directly to your treatment professional about your symptoms to develop an accurate treatment plan.

At TMD Therapeutics, we recognize the emotional and physical toll that TMD has on a person. We also understand that many of our patients have a history of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, which may impact recovery. Our team of empathetic clinicians is here to help you regain your well-being. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you may be a candidate for treatment at our clinic.

Please visit our referrals page or contact our office to learn more about booking an appointment.