Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or facial tension may be signs of TMD (temporomandibular disorder). At McKenzie Dental, our friendly SE dental office takes a comprehensive, gentle approach to TMJ and TMD care—focused on comfort, function, and long-term stability.

What Is the TMJ?

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) connects your lower jaw to your skull. It allows you to open, close, and move your jaw for chewing and speaking.

When functioning normally, the joints move smoothly, muscles stay balanced, and the teeth fit together comfortably.

What Is TMD?

TMD refers to a group of conditions affecting:

  • The jaw joints
  • The chewing muscles
  • Surrounding nerves and tissues

TMD is rarely caused by one issue—it’s usually the result of multiple contributing factors.

Common Signs of TMD

  • Jaw pain, tightness, or fatigue
  • Clicking or popping sounds
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Facial, neck, or shoulder pain
  • Difficulty chewing or opening wide
  • Ear symptoms (pressure, ringing)

What Causes TMD?

TMD is multifactorial and may be influenced by:

  • Bite problems (malocclusion)
  • Clenching or grinding
  • Overactive or enlarged chewing muscles
  • Forward head posture or poor posture
  • Stress or muscle tension
  • Injury or arthritis
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or sleep-related breathing issues

Because many systems affect jaw function, effective care looks at the full picture.

How Is TMD Treated?

At McKenzie Dental, a trusted SE dental clinic, treatment is personalized based on your specific needs and may include:

  • Neuromuscular treatment, including specialized TENS therapy to relax jaw muscles and guide the jaw into a balanced position
  • Custom orthotic (splint) therapy to reduce strain on joints and muscles
  • Neuromodulator (Botox) treatment for overactive chewing muscles
  • Orthodontic correction when a contributing bite issue is present
  • Physiotherapy to improve movement, posture, and muscle balance
  • Medications, such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories, for short-term symptom relief

A combined approach often provides the best long-term results.

Why Choose McKenzie Dental?

  • Gentle, patient-centered care
  • Comprehensive TMJ and TMD evaluations
  • Focus on long-term function—not just symptoms
  • Collaboration with physiotherapy and medical providers when needed

We’re proud to be a friendly SE dental office focused on whole-person care.

Book a TMJ & TMD Consultation Today

If jaw pain, headaches, or muscle tension are affecting your daily life, help is available. Book your TMJ consultation at McKenzie Dental today and take the first step toward comfort, balance, and better jaw function. McKenzie Dental — your trusted SE dental clinic for gentle, comprehensive care.

Book your next dental appointment today!

Ready to discover a new kind of dentist in Calgary? McKenzie Dental is here for you with compassionate care, advanced dentistry, and a team that treats you like family.

Schedule your visit online or give us a call—we can’t wait to welcome you.