If you’ve been waking up with jaw pain, experiencing headaches, or hearing clicking sounds when you chew, you might be dealing with TMJ disorder. At Luka Dental Care, we provide personalized TMJ treatment in London to help you find lasting relief and improve your quality of life.
Our goal isn’t just to reduce your symptoms—we want to understand the root cause, offer modern solutions, and make your care experience as smooth and supportive as possible.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint—the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, located just in front of your ears. It’s responsible for helping you chew, speak, and yawn comfortably.
TMJ disorder (also known as TMD) occurs when the joint becomes misaligned, overused, or inflamed. This can lead to chronic discomfort, tension, and even referred pain in areas like the neck or shoulders.
TMJ dysfunction doesn’t always look the same from person to person. You might experience one or more of the following:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Headaches or migraines, especially in the temples
Pain in the neck, shoulders, or around the ears
Locking of the jaw in an open or closed position
Facial soreness or fatigue
Worn or flattened teeth from clenching or grinding (bruxism)
Increased stress or anxiety related to chronic pain
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a consultation with our TMJ dentist in London, Ontario, can help clarify what’s going on and how we can help.
TMJ issues can arise from a range of factors, which often makes it difficult to pinpoint a single cause. Common contributors include teeth grinding or clenching (often during sleep), a misaligned bite, jaw injuries, arthritis in the joint, or stress-related habits like jaw clenching and nail biting. In some cases, genetics or anatomical differences in jaw structure may also play a role.
Interestingly, many patients with TMJ symptoms don’t realize they grind their teeth at night—until we notice the wear patterns during a dental exam. Identifying the cause is the first step toward lasting relief and personalized treatment.
TMJ disorders can’t always be seen on a standard X-ray, which is why we take a thorough and holistic approach to diagnosis. During your exam, we’ll:
Ask about your symptoms and medical history
Examine your jaw joint and surrounding muscles
Listen for clicks, pops, or irregular movement
Evaluate your bite and how your teeth come together
Take digital imaging if needed (including CBCT scans for a 3D view)
This comprehensive assessment allows us to identify whether TMJ disorder is present, how severe it is, and what treatment options are best suited for you.
At Luka Dental Care, we offer a range of non-invasive, conservative treatment options for managing TMJ disorder. Our care plans are customized based on your symptoms, habits, and lifestyle.
At Luka Dental Care, we offer a range of non-invasive, conservative treatment options for managing TMJ disorder. Our care plans are customized based on your symptoms, habits, and lifestyle.
Night guards work by:
This is often the first step in treatment and provides significant relief for many patients.
Sometimes, your teeth may not meet evenly, placing excess pressure on specific points of the jaw. This imbalance can lead to discomfort, jaw tension, and even contribute to TMJ issues. A bite adjustment is a simple procedure that involves reshaping targeted areas of the teeth to improve how they come together.
By fine-tuning your bite, we can help balance the pressure across your jaw, improve jaw movement, and reduce strain on the TMJ joint. This can also ease related muscle fatigue and contribute to long-term comfort and stability.
We may recommend specific exercises or refer you to a physiotherapist trained in TMJ care. These exercises can help:
Strengthen jaw muscles
Improve range of motion
Reduce stiffness
Promote better posture and alignment
At-home stretches and habits are an important part of keeping your TMJ symptoms under control long-term.
Since stress is a common trigger for jaw clenching and grinding, we’ll talk about ways to reduce daily stress. This could include:
Meditation or mindfulness
Breathing techniques
Adjusting your workspace or sleep routine
Tips for managing anxiety-related habits
We take a whole-person approach to TMJ treatment—because it’s not just about the jaw, it’s about your overall wellness.
In addition to professional treatment, there are everyday changes you can make to reduce TMJ flare-ups and protect your jaw from strain.
Here are some dentist-approved tips we often share with patients:
TMJ disorder doesn’t just affect your jaw—it can trigger a ripple effect throughout your entire body. The chronic pain and muscle tension often associated with TMJ can make it difficult to sleep, concentrate, or fully enjoy daily activities. Over time, these symptoms can wear you down both physically and emotionally.
If left untreated, TMJ can also contribute to more complex issues like bruxism-related tooth damage, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), poor head and neck posture, ongoing fatigue due to interrupted sleep, and even heightened stress or anxiety levels.
That’s why it’s important to take action early. Working with a trusted TMJ dentist in London can help you manage symptoms before they escalate—and support your overall well-being in the process.
Most TMJ issues can be successfully treated with non-surgical methods such as bite adjustments, night guards, or physical therapy. However, in rare and more severe cases where conservative approaches aren’t effective, surgical intervention may be considered as a next step.
If necessary, we’ll refer you to a trusted TMJ specialist in London, Ontario, who can evaluate your condition for options like arthrocentesis, joint arthroscopy, or open joint surgery. Surgery is always considered a last resort—and is rarely needed when TMJ symptoms are addressed early with proper care.
Your TMJ treatment journey at Luka Dental Care is personalized to your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. Here’s a general overview of what to expect when you begin care with us:
Initial Consultation
We’ll listen to your symptoms, perform a jaw exam, and review your bite.
Digital Imaging
3D scans and X-rays help us understand the joint structure and assess wear or misalignment.
Custom Treatment Plan
You’ll get a detailed explanation of your diagnosis and all the treatment options available.
Comfort-First Approach
Whether it’s a night guard or bite adjustment, our treatments are designed to minimize stress and improve results.
Ongoing Check-Ins
We’ll monitor your progress over time and make adjustments if needed for long-term success.
At Luka Dental Care, we use modern technology to improve the accuracy, comfort, and efficiency of TMJ diagnosis and treatment. Here’s how:
Provide a clear view of the jaw and surrounding structures with minimal radiation
Offers a detailed 3D image of the temporomandibular joint and related anatomy
Capture exact models of your bite for a custom-fitted night guard.
Allows us to create your splint or guard quickly with precision
Measures pressure points across your teeth for a better-balanced bite
Our process combines insight, technology, and step-by-step care to get you back to feeling like yourself again.
We scan your bite and take imaging to assess joint alignment and muscle tension.
Using advanced diagnostics, we determine the root cause of your TMJ discomfort.
Whether it’s a custom night guard, bite adjustment, or exercises, we create a plan built for you.
If a device is needed, our in-house lab creates your appliance with a precise fit and fast turnaround.
We follow up with you regularly to track your comfort, sleep quality, and jaw function.
Samantha M.
TMJ patient at Luka Dental Care
Our practice is known for combining advanced technology with a compassionate, patient-first approach. We understand that TMJ disorders don’t just affect your jaw—they affect your daily life, your sleep, and your mental well-being.
Here’s why patients trust us:
We use advanced imaging to accurately diagnose TMJ issues and tailor your treatment to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Our on-site lab allows us to create high-quality, custom night guards quickly and with precision.
Our team listens closely to your concerns and monitors your progress to ensure long-term relief and results.
You don’t have to live with jaw pain, daily headaches, or sleepless nights. Our team is here to help you understand what’s going on and create a treatment plan that works.
If you have chronic jaw pain, clicking or popping noises, headaches, or trouble opening and closing your mouth, schedule a TMJ evaluation.
Mild cases may improve with rest and stress reduction, but many people benefit from custom treatment to prevent worsening.
They can offer temporary relief but often don’t fit well or protect your bite properly. A custom night guard is safer and more effective.
Coverage varies depending on your plan. We can help you review your benefits and provide estimates before beginning care.
Some patients feel relief within days of using a night guard, while others may need a few weeks of combined therapy to notice significant improvement.
2101 Aldersbrook Rd, London, ON N6G 3X1
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