TMJ Specialist

A TMJ disorder can make it hard to chew, speak, or otherwise move your jaw. The dental experts at Creative Dimensions in Dentistry can help relieve your discomfort and get your jaw moving again. TMJ disorders are often difficult to diagnose correctly and it’s sometimes hard to find a doctor with the patience to listen to your TMJ story. With offices in both Castro Valley and San Leandro, California, these skilled dentists are often praised for their warm and caring attitude and their ability to create patient-focused treatment plans. Call today for your appointment or book your visit online.
Creative Dimensions in Dentistry TMJ

TMJ Q&A

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), muscles, and ligaments located on both sides of your jawbone near your ears. These joints and supportive soft tissue structures make it possible for you to open and close your mouth. They also control your lower jaw (mandible) as it moves side to side or forward and backward.

Problems affecting your TMJ often become quite debilitating due to the active nature of this joint. Your jaw is involved in many seemingly insignificant movements that are often reflexively repeated throughout your day, such as swallowing. You may never realize how active your jaw is until you experience the discomfort caused by a TMJ disorder.  

What causes TMJ disorders?

The TMJ is a ball-and-socket type of joint that contains a disc to help cushion the load on the joint as you rotate, glide, or open your jaw. Anything that prevents this complex system from working properly can result in a painful TMJ disorder.

Conditions that may cause TMJ disorder include:

  • Arthritis
  • Jaw dislocation
  • Problems with alignment of your teeth and jaw
  • Stress and teeth grinding

What is the treatment for TMJ disorders?

Diagnosing the underlying cause of your TMJ symptoms is vital to an effective treatment strategy. You can expect your dentist to carefully check your TMJ joints for tenderness, clicking, or popping as you move your jaws through a full range of motion, as well as difficulty moving your jaw in any direction. The results of this exam may cause your dentist to refer you to another specialist, such as an orthopedist, for further evaluation and treatment for conditions such as arthritis or other issues within the bony structures of your joint.

Effective TMJ treatment often includes lifestyle changes to “rest” your joint, such as:

  • Eating softer foods
  • Avoiding chewing gum
  • Relaxation techniques such as meditation or biofeedback therapy to help control jaw tension
  • Exercises that strengthen your jaw muscles


Your dentist may also:

  • Prescribe medications for discomfort and inflammation
  • Design a night guard or bite plate to decrease clenching and teeth grinding
  • Adjust your bite by reshaping your teeth
  • Recommend orthodontic treatment to realign your teeth

Insurance

We accept the majority of dental insurance plans. Please call our office if you do not see yours listed or have any other questions.

We are preferred providers for Delta Dental Premier and Cigna.

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Delta Dental
MetLife
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Testimonials

Words from our patients

  • "Excellent service. I would most definitely recommend Creative Dimensions in Dentistry. Very professional, informative about what is being done and very friendly."

    Delanie A.

  • "A textbook example of how a dental office visit should be. Geraldine is a great hygienist, both pleasant and extremely competent..."

    Verified Patient

  • "I absolutely love going to Creative Dimensions! Everyone there is so welcoming and make you feel like a part of the family! My family and I have been coming here..."

    Teodorie R.

  • "Been coming here for a number of years and have always felt nothing but professionalism, great dental care and very friendly staff. I would highly recommend CDD."

    Gail B.

  • "I've been going here for my entire life. They take great care of me and my teeth, and now my children's, too. They go above and beyond to address my concerns."

    Verified Patient

  • "As a long-time patient of Creative Dimensions, I feel is the best dental experience I have ever had."

    Verified Patient

  • "Staff is very Professional and Courteous. They provide Great Dental Care. I also brought my son to this Dentistry."

    Verified Patient

  • "I've been with Creative Dimensions for over 15 years now and wouldn't ever think of going any place else for my dental needs...they simply are the best."

    Verified Patient

  • "I always have a good experience with Chris at the Castro Valley office. I feel she always does a great job cleaning my teeth. She is my favorite hygienist!"

    Verified Patient

  • "Absolutely love this place. I feel that their attention to detail and level of professionalism is outstanding. They have awesome people and up to date technology."

    Verified Patient

  • "I had a great experience yesterday! I arrived early. They took me right in! Got X-rays, dental exam, and my cleaning done in under 40 minutes!"

    Verified Patient

  • "we have been going there for 10 years this coming November. excellent work, friendly professional staff, always feel comfortable no matter the procedure."

    Verified Patient

  • "I've been going here for years so I'm surprised to get this now. I've always liked the service here whether it's a cleaning, consultation or dental work."

    Verified Patient

  • "I love this dentist and dentist office. Accommodating, personable, and friendly. I can't say anything but good things about I and my son's experience there."

    Verified Patient
Our Locations

Choose your preferred location

20265 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546
510-881-8010
345 Estudillo Ave. Ste. 205, San Leandro, CA 94577
510-895-1776