TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy in Ottawa
Welcome to Ottawa TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy Clinic
Our dental clinic is dedicated to treating TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders and sleep-related disorders.
Dr. Elsaraj is focused on helping to provide treatment or management options for children and adults suffering from craniofacial pain and sleep-related disorders.
We use a specific process for the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial pain (TMJ pain, headaches, facial pain) and the management of sleep-related disorders (sleep apnea or snoring) without the need for surgery.
Referrals Are Welcome
We are accepting new patients. If you would like to refer a patient to Ottawa TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy, please submit our referral form.
Committed to Your Oral Health Needs
TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy in Ottawa
Dr. Sherif Elsaraj offers treatment for TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders and sleep-related disorders including snoring and sleep apnea.
Our dental clinic is dedicated to helping to improve the condition of children and adults suffering from craniofacial pain and sleep apnea and alleviate the effect that these conditions may have on their quality of life.
- What is a TMJ/TMD-related pain disorder?
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. It allows you to move your jaw side-to-side and up and down so you can speak and eat.
TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders occur when there are issues with the jaw and the muscles in your face that cause symptoms including jaw pain, headaches and ringing in the ears. If left untreated, these issues can lead to chronic pain, bone loss, changes in gum tissue and loose teeth.
Often caused by misalignment of the teeth and/or jaw, other factors that may contribute to TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders include skull shape, genetics, airway issues and injury or trauma to the jaw. - What are common symptoms of TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders?
Because your compromised jaw muscles have to work extra hard to do their job, TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders can cause a host of painful symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Teeth grinding (usually during sleep)
- Jaw, face and/or neck pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is when your tongue, soft palate and throat tissues over-relax. This relaxation causes them to collapse into the back of the throat, obstructing the airway. When oxygen flow stops, the brain is forced awake to consciously resume breathing.
These episodes can occur hundreds of times in a night, preventing you from falling into the deep, restorative sleep needed to recharge your brain and body. - What are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have sleep apnea:
- Trouble focusing
- Heavy snoring
- Headaches & migraines
- Fatigue
- Restless sleep
- Depression
- Irritability
- TMJ symptoms
- How can TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders and sleep-related disorders be treated?
At Ottawa TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy, we use current technology and provide non-surgical therapies and treatment options.
We have developed a process for the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial pain (TMJ pain, headaches, facial pain) and the treatment of sleep-related disorders (sleep apnea, snoring) without the need for surgery.
As part of your TMD treatment, we may recommend Botox® or SphenoCath® injections to help reduce pain caused by TMD. Your dentist can work with you to find the best treatment for your situation.
Ottawa Dentist
Meet Dr. Sherif Elsaraj
Dr. Elsaraj is a dentist who treats TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders and sleep-related disorders in Ottawa.
Refer a PatientDr. Sherif Elsaraj
Dr. Sherif Elsaraj completed a PhD in Craniofacial Pain and Health Sciences and has been recently appointed a new position with McGill University as a clinical instructor for the TMD and Orofacial pain clinic at the Jewish General Hospital. Dr. Elsaraj started his PhD in 2015 under the clinical direction of Dr. Mervyn Gornitsky and the research supervision of Dr. Ana Velly and Richard Hovey. He is known amongst his colleagues and patients as "Dr. E", a graduate of the 2010 DMD program at the University of Manitoba. He attended J.S Woodsworth Secondary School in Ottawa and holds a B..Sc. in Biochemistry from Carleton University. In 2006, Dr. E completed his M.Sc. in Oral Biology from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Dr. Elsaraj completed a year of residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at the University of Toronto in 2012. He is a published author in well-respected scientific journals such as the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation and Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. He is an active member of the Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec Dental Associations. He is also a Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) consultant for Hull Hospital in Gatineau.
Dr. E is currently serving on the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) council, Ottawa Dental Society (ODS) Secretary and chair of the Continuing Education committee. Furthermore, Dr. E is the Political Contact dentist Ottawa West, Oral Health Group dental consultant, and an advisor for the Canadian Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines.
Make a Referral
If you want Dr. Elsaraj to assess your patient for TMJ/TMD-related pain disorders or sleep-related disorders, refer them to Ottawa TMJ & Dental Sleep Therapy by phone or email.
Contact & Hours
We're proud to provide services to patients in Ottawa and the surrounding areas.
Hours
- Monday:09:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Tuesday:09:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Wednesday:09:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Thursday:09:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Friday:09:00 am - 05:00 pm
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:Closed
Referral By Phone
Call us to refer a patient.
Referral By Email
Complete the form below to submit by email.