Dr. Gelfand is very passionate about helping patients who suffer from pain.

Our Dawson Dental offices welcome patients who are in search of relief from the pain associated with migraine headaches, daily headaches, chronic pain, or TMD/ Temporomandibular joint issues. We understand what it’s like to constantly deal with this type of discomfort and the disappointment or frustration when other treatments fail.

Occasional TMJ pain is common for most people, especially if you have a stressful day or aren’t sleeping well. But if it becomes so severe that it impacts your day-to-day activities, you could have TMJ disorder (TMD.)

The jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint, is one of the most flexible joints in the body. It serves an important role in connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone).

Learn more about the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)   

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“Dawson has changed my enjoyment of life” Donna, a TMJ Patient

Do you have a TMJ disorder?

When the jaw is misaligned, a host of painful and limiting symptoms may occur which can be related to an incorrect bite. It can be debilitating, not to mention the future oral health problems that arise if left untreated. That’s why it’s vital to seek help sooner rather than later when suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

If you answer YES to any of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for TMJ therapy:

  • Pain or tenderness in your jaw?
  • Difficulty chewing or experience pain when chewing?
  • Locking or popping of the jaw, difficulty opening or closing your mouth?
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth?
  • Headaches or neck aches?
  • Temple area pain?
  • Do you have sensitive, worn, loose or broken teeth?

In some patients, Botox can be effective for treating temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).  Botox which is a neurotoxin protein can help treat jaw tension, lockjaw, and headaches due to teeth grinding.  At Dawson, the treatment can be done in-office and typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes and you can expect to return to your normal activities as soon as you leave the office.  The benefits of this treatment for people suffering from pain and soreness include substantial relief and it helps to protect your dental health as excessive grinding can cause worn down teeth, tooth fractures, and damaged gums. 3-4 treatments are usually needed.

Your TMJ treatment options depend on the circumstances of your condition. In some cases, the uncomfortable symptoms can be relieved by a nighttime grinding appliance to help protect the muscles, teeth, and jaw joints from the forces of nighttime grinding.

Patients whose TMJ is caused by bite conditions or significant jaw alignment problems that are not alleviated by the use of a nighttime grinding appliance may benefit from the use of an oral appliance worn during the day.

Dentists have a detailed understanding of how the teeth, jaws, and TMJ work together. During your dental exam, we’ll feel either side of your TMJ to assess whether it’s moving normally or shows signs of a joint disorder. Let your Dawson dentist know if symptoms persist for more than a few days.

Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular Dentistry focuses on the muscles surrounding the head and neck — because 90% of pain, including TMJ, comes from muscle. It is predictable, completely reversible, and without the side effects of medications that are commonly used to treat these conditions. Dr. Gelfand has trained extensively in this area.

Neuromuscular dentistry uses sophisticated instrumentation to evaluate how one’s jaw muscles are working and where they would be most comfortable. At Dawson, our process for finding “a home” for a patient’s bite (how the teeth come together) is precisely measurable. Based on these results, a neuromuscular orthotic will be made to fit you specifically.

Book Your Free Consultation

We invite you to book a complimentary consultation so we can better understand your dental concerns, discuss the available treatment options and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

Our Locations

133 Pedersen Drive Suite A3
Aurora, ON L4G 0E3
289.805.3540

165 Wellington Street West, Suite 1B,
Barrie, ON L4N 1L7
705.999.0177

8 Nelson Street West,
Brampton, ON, L6X 4J2
647.490.2375

1 Wexford Road,
Brampton, ON L6Z 2W1, Canada
647.363.7426

200 Carnwith Drive East, Suite 6
Brooklin, ON L1M 0A1
289.275.6702

299 Main Street North
Callander, ON P0H 1H0
705.995.1800

541 Hespeler Road Unit 103
Cambridge, ON N1R 6J2
226.212.8149

806 Gordon Street Suite 104,
Guelph, ON N1G 1Y7
226.212.8140

89 Dawson Road Suite 100,
Guelph, ON N1H 1B1
226.212.8037

399 18th Avenue,
Hanover, ON N4N 2H0
226.212.8175

1491 Innisfil Beach Road, Unit #1,
Innisfil, Ontario, L9S4B2, Canada
705.999.6998

76 Arlington Dr., Unit #14
Keswick, ON L4P 0A9
905.476.5333

23558 Woodbine Ave, Unit F2
Keswick, ON L4P 0E2
905.476.4144

1700 King Road,
King, ON L7B 1K2, Canada
289.812.2496

1260 Carmil Blvd
Kingston, ON K7M 5Z3
613.389.6126

80 Queen Street,
Kingston, ON K7K 1A5
613.777.6055

110 Princess Street,
Kingston, ON K7L 1A7
613.546.9898

235 Ira Needles Blvd,
Kitchener, ON N2N 0B2, Canada
226.212.8182

693 Havelock Street North,
Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0, Canada
226.212.8145

57 Harry Walker Parkway South, Units 3-5
Newmarket, ON L3Y 8T3
289.802.0774

1221 Algonquin Avenue,
North Bay, ON P1B 4Y3, Canada
705.995.2917

58 Rossland Road West,
Oshawa, ON L1G 2V5
289.275.1535

2555 Victoria Park Avenue Suite 12,
Scarborough, ON M1T 1A3
647.363.7705

171 East Liberty Street
Toronto, ON M6K 3P6
647.363.6646

985 Broadview Ave,
Toronto, ON M4K 2R9
647.363.6781

181 Yonge Street, Suite 101,
Toronto, ON M5B1M4
647.363.7470

120 Bloor Street East Suite 100A
Toronto, ON M4W 1B7
647.363.7822

1560 Yonge Street, Suites 110 and 111
Toronto, ON, Canada
647.363.7479

25 Bellair St, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON M5R 2C8, Canada
416.927.7677

36 Northfield Drive East Suite 9,
Waterloo, ON N2L 6A1
226.212.8156