Medically reviewed by Dr. Dorar Abudaqa, DDS
Reviewed for clinical accuracy on May 17, 2026
A team of 4 dentists with 10+ years of experience serving Oakville families.
Rated by 200+ patients who shared their experience after visiting our clinic.
A growing community of Oakville families who chose us for their dental care.
The reason you can speak, chew, yawn, and move your mouth is the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect your jaw to your skull. When these joints or the surrounding muscles become irritated or strained, it can lead to what is commonly called TMJ disorder or TMD.
TMJ problems can happen for different reasons, and symptoms are mild jaw tension, chronic pain, headaches, or difficulty opening the mouth fully. In many cases, symptoms gradually develop over time rather than appearing suddenly.
Tension in the jaw muscles can spread into the temples, face, neck, and shoulders. As a result, TMJ dysfunction is sometimes connected to recurring headaches or migraine-like discomfort, especially in patients who clench their teeth during sleep.
Because the jaw joints are located close to the ears, TMJ problems can sometimes create ear-related symptoms. Some patients notice ringing in the ears, pressure, fullness, or discomfort that is similar to an ear infection, even when the ears themselves are healthy.
At Smile Point Dental, we prescribe TMJ treatment based on the cause of your symptoms, the condition of your bite, and how severe the jaw strain has become. With our conservative approach, we help you reduce pressure on the jaw and treat the problem at its root.
Stress and daily habits are the most important factors leading to TMJ discomfort. We help patients recognize habits like jaw clenching, nail biting, or chewing on hard objects while also discussing simple ways to reduce tension throughout the day.
An uneven bite can sometimes place extra stress on certain areas of the jaw. Through a careful bite evaluation, we assess how your teeth come together and determine whether minor occlusal adjustments may help improve balance and reduce strain.
Through years of caring for patients with TMD, we understand how frustrating and disruptive these symptoms can be. They often affect sleep, eating, focus, and even simple daily comfort. That’s why we start by really understanding what you’re experiencing, not just focusing on the symptoms alone.
At Smile Point Dental, TMJ care is calm and supportive. Many patients come to us after dealing with discomfort for a long time, so we take extra care to make each visit feel comfortable and totally informative. What patients appreciate about our approach is:
Dr. Bassam Abudaqa is a general and family dentist at Smile Point Dental in Oakville, providing TMJ treatment with a focus on conservative, patient-centered care. With a Master’s Degree in Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics, and Fixed Prosthodontics from the University of Cairo and over eight years of clinical experience, he brings a deep understanding of bite function and jaw health to every patient he treats. His minimally invasive philosophy guides his approach to managing TMJ disorders, helping patients find lasting relief from jaw pain, clicking, and tension-related discomfort. He is a member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and the Ontario Dental Association (ODA).
TMJ dysfunction happens when the jaw joints or surrounding muscles become strained, inflamed, or unbalanced. Repetitive pressure from clenching or grinding is one of the most common reasons patients develop TMJ symptoms.
Treatment depends on the source of the problem. Common options include night guards, splints, bite evaluations, stress management strategies, and treatment for grinding or clenching habits. The goal is usually to reduce pressure on the jaw and improve function gradually.
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the type of treatment recommended. Some plans may provide partial coverage for appliances such as night guards or splints. Our team can help review your benefits and explain possible coverage before treatment begins.
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