Services
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy
We treat jaw clicking, locking, facial pain, and jaw-related headaches — no referral needed to see us.
Why choose us
Benefits of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy
Relief From Jaw Pain
We treat TMJ disorders, chronic facial pain, and jaw clicking, locking, or limited movement.
Headache Evaluation
We look closely at jaw-related headaches to find out what's driving your discomfort.
Custom Night Guards
Our on-site dental lab lets us craft night guards that fit you comfortably.
No Referral Needed
You can book with us directly, and we accept all major PPO plans and self-pay patients.
Care For All Ages
We see adults and children, with flexible payment plans available if you need them.
You wake up with a dull ache along the side of your face, your jaw feels tight before you've even had coffee, and chewing a bagel sets off a click you can hear in your own ears. By mid-afternoon the tension has climbed into a headache behind your temples. That pattern — jaw pain, popping, stiffness, and headaches that nobody can quite explain — is one of the most common reasons people come to see us, and it's one we treat directly here in Ocala.
The temporomandibular joints are the two hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. They're small joints doing heavy work: talking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing hundreds of times a day. When the joint, the surrounding muscles, or the way your teeth come together are out of balance, the result is a temporomandibular disorder — often shortened to TMD or simply called TMJ trouble.
Symptoms vary more than most people expect. Some patients notice clicking or popping when they open wide. Others deal with a jaw that locks, catches, or won't open as far as it used to. We also see patients whose main complaint isn't the jaw at all — it's recurring headaches, facial soreness, ear pressure, or tenderness in the muscles along the cheeks and temples. Clenching and nighttime grinding frequently play a role, and they often leave evidence behind in the form of worn, flattened, or chipped teeth.
TMJ therapy at our office starts with listening and looking, not with treatment. We ask when the pain shows up, what makes it worse, whether you wake with soreness, and how long it's been going on. Then we examine the joints as they move, check your range of motion, feel for muscle tenderness, and evaluate how your bite fits together. Signs of grinding, cracked teeth, or uneven wear tell us a great deal about what's driving the problem.
Because we handle a broad range of care under one roof, we can connect the dots instead of sending you elsewhere to figure them out. Jaw pain sometimes turns out to be a cracked tooth or a tooth needing root canal therapy. A collapsed bite from missing teeth may be straining the joints. Crowding or alignment issues may be addressed with clear aligners or Invisalign. We evaluate jaw-related headaches, jaw clicking and locking, and chronic facial pain, and we accept patients without a referral — so you can simply call us directly.
Treatment Approaches We Use
For many patients, a custom night guard is the cornerstone of care. Made to fit your mouth precisely, it cushions the joints, discourages clenching, and protects tooth surfaces from further grinding damage. Our on-site dental lab is a real advantage here: appliances and restorations are fabricated in-house, which keeps turnaround short and adjustments easy.
When worn or damaged teeth are part of the picture, restorative treatment often belongs in the plan. That can mean rebuilding broken teeth with crowns, onlays, or bonding, replacing missing teeth so chewing forces are shared evenly again, or — for patients with widespread wear — full mouth rehabilitation. If you also play sports or grind during athletic activity, we make custom sports guards as well. For patients who feel anxious about dental visits, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to keep appointments comfortable.
Aftercare, Results, and Follow-Up
TMD care is usually a process rather than a single appointment. Appliances need checking and fine-tuning as your muscles relax and your bite settles. We'll see you back to confirm the fit, review how your symptoms have changed, and adjust the plan as needed.
Home habits matter between visits. Simple changes often help:
- Favoring softer foods during flare-ups and avoiding gum, ice, and chewy candy
- Noticing and releasing daytime clenching, especially during stress or screen work
- Applying warm compresses to sore jaw muscles
- Avoiding extreme wide opening when possible
- Wearing your night guard consistently and bringing it to every visit
Payment, Insurance, and Getting Started
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims as a General Practitioner. We also welcome self-pay and cash patients, and we offer flexible payment plans so treatment can be spread out in a way that works for your budget. We'll go over what's covered and what isn't before you commit to anything.
Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris lead a team that has cared for Ocala families for more than 30 years, and we see patients from Belleview, Silver Springs, The Villages, Summerfield, Dunnellon, Lady Lake, and throughout Marion County. If your jaw hurts, clicks, or keeps you from sleeping well, call us and let's take a look together.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Consultation And Exam
We listen to your symptoms and examine your jaw, bite, and movement.
- 2
Personalized Treatment
We build a plan around your needs, which may include a custom night guard or bite-related care.
- 3
Follow-Up Care
We check your progress, adjust as needed, and keep your comfort on track.