TMJ Relief

Understanding and Treating TMD in San Ramon, CA - TMJ Therapeutic Solutions

The temporomandibular joint plays a significant role in facilitating oral function. Damage to this connective joint can negatively impact a patient’s functionality and encourage the onset of a number of dental problems. At New Age Dentistry, San Ramon TMJ dentist Dr. Sherry Steinmetz specializes in helping patients regain full dental function through comprehensive therapies and treatments.

What is TMD?

TMD is characterized by pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissue, which restricts total jaw function. While there is no singular cause of TMD, a number of factors can increase the risk for this condition, such as bruxism, stress, trauma to the joint, and certain forms of arthritis. 

Proper function is only possible when all components of jaw movement, including soft tissue, ligaments, and corresponding sockets, work correctly and in unison. Damage to one part can put the others at risk and may trigger joint dysfunction.

Identifying the Symptoms of TMD

Given the position of the joint and its overall function, it is common for many of the symptoms of TMD to manifest throughout a patient’s upper body. Patients experiencing TMJ-related problems may notice an onset of dental, head, and neck problems, including:

  • Misaligned bite
  • Clenching or grinding  
  • Jaw stiffness and limited mobility 
  • Painful clicking, popping, or grating when opening or closing the mouth
  • Pain in the jaw joint, neck, and shoulders 
  • Chronic headaches 
  • Ear pain, pressure, or ringing 

Relieving Jaw Pain

If left untreated, the symptoms caused by TMD can be particularly debilitating, preventing many from being able to enjoy full oral function. With advances in modern dental technology, our San Ramon TMD dentist is able to create a bite stabilization device to help relieve jaw pain.

Also known as an orthotic, this type of oral appliance is often worn at night to relieve pressure placed on jaw arches and prevent patients from grinding their teeth. When combined with other at-home remedies that include stress management, relaxation techniques, and adhering to a soft-foods diet, our dentist is able to help patients regain full oral function. For more severe cases of TMJ pain, Dr. Steinmetz may recommend long-term management with orthodontics to correct the bite and adjust the position of the jaw.

Contact our Dentist Today

At New Age Dentistry, our mission is to help patients regain total oral function through effective management of their TMJ dysfunction symptoms. Through our multifaceted approach to care, Dr. Steinmetz is able to develop tailored treatment plans that yield lasting results. To schedule your TMD consultation, contact our San Ramon dentist today. 





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New Age Dentistry
Phone: 925-355-1133
100 Park Place, Suite 160
San Ramon, CA 94583
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