TMJ Treatment in NW Calgary
Lasting relief from jaw pain, clicking, headaches and teeth grinding.
About TMJ Treatment at Bow River Dental
Jaw pain, clicking, headaches or teeth grinding can all point to a problem with your jaw joint. If you are looking for TMJ treatment in Calgary, Bow River Dental offers a thorough TMJ assessment and treatment plans that bring lasting relief.
TMJ care is part of our Additional Care services, and we welcome new patients of all ages.
What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are the two joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, one on each side of your face. They let you open and close your mouth, chew, talk and yawn. When the joints or the muscles around them are irritated, out of balance or overloaded, the result is often called TMJ disorder, or TMD.
TMJ problems are common and can range from occasional soreness to constant pain that affects eating, sleeping and daily life. The good news is that most cases can be managed with the right care.
Symptoms and Causes of TMJ Problems
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in your jaw, face or around your ear
- Clicking, popping or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Headaches or migraines, especially in the morning
- A jaw that feels stiff, locks or gets stuck
- Difficulty chewing or a bite that feels uneven
- Worn, chipped or sensitive teeth from grinding and clenching
Common causes include teeth grinding and clenching, stress, a misaligned bite, jaw injury, arthritis and habits such as chewing gum or nail biting. Often several factors combine.
What Is Included in Your TMJ Care
- A thorough TMJ assessment
- A bite analysis to see how your teeth fit together
- Custom night appliances, similar to Night Guards & Sports Guards, that take pressure off your jaw
- A treatment plan for long-term symptom relief
- Self-care guidance, such as jaw exercises and habit changes
- Follow-up visits to check your progress
- Direct insurance billing where eligible
What to Expect at Your TMJ Visit
- 1Conversation. We ask about your pain, sounds, headaches, habits and stress.
- 2Assessment. We examine your jaw joints, muscles, teeth and bite, and take X-rays as needed.
- 3Diagnosis and plan. We explain what is causing your symptoms and recommend a plan, with the cost, before we begin.
- 4Custom appliance. If an appliance is right for you, we take impressions or scans and make it to fit your mouth.
- 5Follow-up. We adjust your appliance and check your progress until your symptoms settle.
Self-Care and Aftercare for Jaw Pain
- Eat soft foods and avoid very chewy or hard foods, including gum, while your jaw is sore
- Apply a warm compress or a cold pack to the sore area for about 10 minutes
- Avoid opening your mouth very wide, such as when yawning or biting big sandwiches
- Try to keep your teeth slightly apart and your jaw relaxed during the day
- Wear your night appliance as directed
- Look for ways to manage stress, since it often makes clenching worse
Call us if your jaw locks, if pain keeps getting worse or if you cannot open your mouth normally.
Why Choose Bow River Dental for TMJ Treatment
- A thorough assessment and bite analysis
- Custom night appliances made to fit your mouth
- A plan aimed at long-term symptom relief
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Direct insurance billing, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- Night Guards & Sports Guards: to protect teeth from grinding
- Sleep Apnea & Snore Guards: for better sleep
- Check-Ups & Cleanings: to monitor wear on your teeth
- Traditional Braces: when bite alignment plays a role
Cost of TMJ Treatment
The cost of TMJ treatment depends on your assessment, the type of appliance and the number of visits, so there is no single price. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your options and costs before treatment begins. We bill eligible insurance directly. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMJ, and what is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMD, or TMJ disorder, is the name for problems with the joint and the muscles around it. People often use "TMJ" to describe the condition itself.
What causes TMJ pain?
Common causes include teeth grinding and clenching, stress, a misaligned bite, jaw injury and arthritis. Habits such as chewing gum, nail biting and resting your chin on your hand can add to the strain. A TMJ assessment finds the causes that apply to you.
How can I relieve TMJ pain at home?
Try eating soft foods, using a warm compress or cold pack, avoiding wide yawning and gum chewing, keeping your teeth apart when you are relaxed and managing stress. These steps can ease mild pain. If pain lasts, get an assessment so we can treat the cause.
Can TMJ be cured permanently?
Many people get lasting relief with the right care, especially when the cause is grinding or a bite problem. Some cases need ongoing management, such as wearing a night appliance. We aim for long-term symptom relief and tell you honestly what to expect.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and the treatment. Many plans cover part of the cost of a custom appliance, sometimes with limits. We bill eligible insurance directly and can help you understand what to expect.
Book Your TMJ Assessment
Ready for relief from jaw pain? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for you.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
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We're welcoming patients of all ages to our family dental clinic in NW Calgary. Book your first visit online — most appointments available the same week.