TMJ Treatment in Riverdale
Relief from jaw pain, clicking, and chronic headaches
Jaw pain, clicking, and morning headaches can all point to a problem with your temporomandibular joint — the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint and the surrounding muscles are strained, everyday actions like chewing and speaking become uncomfortable. Dr. Peter Ioannidis and Dr. Renu Varshney offer conservative, effective treatment to relieve TMJ symptoms and protect your teeth. To find relief, schedule your visit or call (416) 466-6400.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) allow your jaw to open, close, and move side to side. When these joints or the muscles that control them become strained or misaligned, the result is a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) — commonly called a TMJ disorder.
TMJ problems have many causes, including teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), a misaligned bite, stress, arthritis, or injury. Identifying the cause is key to lasting relief.
- Jaw pain, tenderness, or tightness
- Clicking, popping, or grating when you open
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Frequent headaches or facial pain
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- A jaw that locks or feels stuck
We examine your jaw joints, muscles, and bite, and look for signs of grinding and clenching. Because TMJ symptoms overlap with other conditions, a careful diagnosis lets us target the actual cause rather than just masking the discomfort.
Reviewed by Dr. Peter Ioannidis & Dr. Renu Varshney · Broadview Dental Clinic, Riverdale
How We Treat TMJ Disorders
Most TMJ disorders respond well to conservative, non-surgical care. A common and highly effective treatment is a custom-made night guard (occlusal splint) that cushions the joint, prevents damage from grinding, and helps the jaw muscles relax.
We combine appliance therapy with practical guidance and, when needed, bite adjustment to relieve symptoms and protect your teeth from long-term wear.
- Custom night guards to prevent grinding damage
- Bite (occlusal) evaluation and adjustment
- Jaw-relaxation and stress-management guidance
- Treatment of worn or damaged teeth from clenching
- Coordination for physiotherapy or referral when appropriate
We always begin with the least invasive options that address your symptoms — typically a custom appliance and self-care strategies. Most patients find meaningful relief this way, avoiding the need for more involved intervention.
Reviewed by Dr. Peter Ioannidis & Dr. Renu Varshney · Broadview Dental Clinic, Riverdale
Why Choose Broadview Dental Clinic for TMJ Treatment
Effective TMJ care relieves pain today and protects your smile for the future:
Lasting Pain Relief
We target the underlying cause of your jaw pain and headaches, not just the symptoms, for durable relief.
Protects Your Teeth
A custom night guard shields your teeth from the wear, chips, and cracks caused by grinding and clenching.
Custom-Fit Appliances
Your night guard is made from precise impressions for a comfortable, secure fit you'll actually wear.
Conservative Care
We favor non-surgical, reversible treatments that address your symptoms with the least intervention needed.
Easier Chewing
Relieving joint and muscle strain restores comfortable, pain-free eating and speaking.
Whole-Bite Approach
We evaluate how your teeth come together and address bite issues that contribute to TMJ strain.
Your TMJ Evaluation and Treatment, Step by Step
Getting relief from TMJ pain starts with understanding what's driving it. Here is what to expect:
- 1. Symptom and history review. We discuss your pain, headaches, clicking, and any grinding or clenching habits, along with stress and injury history.
- 2. Clinical exam. We examine your jaw joints and muscles, check how your teeth meet, and look for wear patterns that point to bruxism.
- 3. Diagnosis and plan. Dr. Ioannidis or Dr. Varshney explains the likely cause of your symptoms and recommends a conservative treatment plan.
- 4. Custom appliance fitting. We take impressions for a custom night guard, then fit and adjust it so it protects your teeth and relaxes your jaw comfortably.
- 5. Follow-up and adjustments. We check your progress, fine-tune the appliance, and adjust your plan as your symptoms improve.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
Common causes include teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), a misaligned bite, stress, arthritis, and jaw injury. Often several factors contribute, which is why an individual evaluation is important.
Yes. A custom night guard cushions the jaw joint, prevents damage from grinding, and helps overworked jaw muscles relax. Many patients experience significant relief from pain and headaches with this simple, non-invasive treatment.
Most TMJ disorders are managed with conservative, non-surgical care such as a custom appliance, bite adjustment, and self-care strategies. Surgery is rarely needed and only considered for specific, severe cases.
Signs include morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn or flattened teeth, increased sensitivity, and a partner noticing grinding sounds. We can confirm bruxism by examining your teeth for characteristic wear.
They can be. Tension in the jaw muscles from clenching and grinding is a common source of recurring headaches and facial pain. Treating the underlying TMJ issue often reduces these headaches.
Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks of wearing a custom night guard consistently. We monitor your progress and adjust your treatment to achieve lasting comfort.
Yes. Once we protect your teeth from further grinding, we can restore worn or cracked teeth with treatments such as fillings, crowns, or other restorative care to rebuild your bite.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dental conditions vary by individual and treatment recommendations depend on a thorough clinical evaluation. Consult Dr. Peter Ioannidis, Dr. Renu Varshney, or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.