Relief from chronic headaches, jaw pain, and facial tension — often without surgery, freezing, or a night guard.
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint — the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become inflamed or misaligned, it's called TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder). At Neo Dental, Dr. Steve Thordarson has extensive training in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, and has helped many patients find lasting relief from pain they'd lived with for years.
Chronic headaches are one of the most common complaints among Canadians — and one of the most misdiagnosed. People try medication, acupuncture, and massage, often without lasting relief, because the real cause is overlooked: muscle tension and spasms in the chewing muscles. These muscles connect to the temples, sinuses, cheeks, and neck. Many patients diagnosed with migraines are actually experiencing TMD-related muscle pain. The good news? Relief can be immediate and long-lasting — without surgery, discomfort, freezing, or even a night guard in many cases.
TMJ problems generally fall into two categories. The first involves the muscles around the jaw — when these muscles are overworked or in spasm (often from clenching or grinding), they refer pain to the head, face, and neck. This type responds very well to targeted treatment and can bring rapid relief. The second involves the joint itself — the disc, cartilage, or bone within the TMJ. This type may require more involved treatment, but is still very manageable with the right approach. Dr. Steve will identify which type you're dealing with and create a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Steve Thordarson has dedicated a significant portion of his career to understanding and treating TMJ disorders. With over 20 specialized certifications and 5,000+ hours of continuing education, he brings a depth of knowledge to TMJ treatment that goes well beyond what most general dentists offer. Many patients come to us after years of unsuccessful treatment elsewhere — and find relief they didn't think was possible.
Mild cases sometimes improve with rest and self-care. However, most TMD cases don't resolve without treatment and tend to worsen over time — especially if grinding or clenching is involved. Early treatment is always better than waiting.
Not always. While night guards are a common treatment for bruxism-related TMD, many cases respond to other approaches first. Dr. Steve will assess your specific situation and recommend the most effective treatment for your case.
Many patients experience significant relief after their first treatment session. For muscle-related TMD in particular, results can be rapid and dramatic. More complex joint-related cases may require a longer treatment course.
Coverage varies by plan. Some dental insurance plans cover portions of TMJ treatment, and some medical plans may also apply. We'll help you understand your coverage and discuss payment options during your consultation.
Absolutely. Stress is one of the most common triggers for jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which in turn irritates the TMJ and surrounding muscles. Addressing the dental component of the problem often provides significant relief even while stress remains a factor.