TMJ Treatment in San Jose, CA
Real, Lasting Relief for Jaw Pain and Headaches
Millions of people wake up every day with headaches, sore, clicking jaws, or that familiar pressure behind the ears and never connect it to their jaw. TMJ disorder is one of the most common and under-diagnosed problems in dentistry. Many patients spend years chasing the source of their migraines, ringing in their ears, tight facial muscles, and neck tension but never discover that the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hidden thread running through all of it.
At Beveridge Dental in San Jose, our father-daughter team of dentists, Drs. Stephen Beveridge and Erin Beveridge Cabuling specialize in identifying TMJ issues and treating them at the source. Whether you have jaw pain and headaches popping up now or have been dealing with issues for years, our San Jose dentists are here to help you find real, lasting TMJ pain relief with targeted treatments and a plan built specifically for you.
What is TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
Your temporomandibular joints are the two hinge-and-sliding joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. When these joints become strained, inflamed, or structurally compromised, the result is called temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. You may also see it referred to simply as “TMJ.”
TMD is often misdiagnosed or dismissed because its symptoms (headaches, ear pressure, facial tightness) can mimic other conditions. That’s why seeing an experienced San Jose dentist with specific training in TMJ dysfunction is so important. Early diagnosis leads to faster, more effective treatment and prevents symptoms from progressing.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
Do You Have TMJ Disorder?
Common TMJ Symptoms We Treat in San Jose
TMJ disorder can show up differently in every patient, which is part of why it often goes undiagnosed for years. If you are experiencing any of the following, a consultation with our TMJ dentists can help you find answers and real relief.
Jaw & Facial Symptoms
- Jaw pain, soreness, or tightness, especially in the morning
- Pain or discomfort while chewing, yawning, or speaking
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw joint
- Jaw locking open or closed
Head & Ear Symptoms
- Frequent tension headaches or migraines, especially upon waking
- Ear pressure, fullness, or a sensation of fluid in the ear
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pain around the temples or behind the eyes
- Neck and shoulder tightness
Our TMJ Treatment Options
Custom Nightguards and Bite Splints
A custom nightguard is one of the most effective treatments for TMJ pain relief. Many San Jose patients grind or clench their teeth at night without realizing it, which places constant strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles. A professionally made appliance fits your bite precisely and keeps the jaw in a healthier, more relaxed position.
Wearing a custom nightguard can protect your enamel, reduce pressure on the joint, improve morning headaches, and prevent long-term wear on the teeth. Unlike store-bought guards, ours are designed specifically for your jaw shape, giving you better comfort and far more predictable results. Most patients notice that their jaw feels looser and less tense within the first week of use.
Botox for TMJ Pain Relief
Botox is one of the fastest ways to relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce TMJ-related pain. When the chewing muscles become tight from clenching or grinding, they can trigger headaches, ear pressure, facial soreness, and even neck tension. Botox helps calm these muscles so they stop overworking the TMJ and pulling the jaw out of alignment.
Patients who receive Botox for TMJ in our San Jose office often report noticeable relief within a few days. The jaw feels lighter, movement becomes easier, and morning tightness is dramatically reduced. This treatment is especially effective for patients whose symptoms come from muscle overload rather than structural joint issues. Botox also helps prevent further tooth wear and reduces the frequency of tension headaches.
Bite Adjustments
Even a small imbalance in how your teeth come together can overload the TMJ. If your bite is slightly off, your jaw muscles must work harder to compensate, which can lead to tension, clicking, headaches, and chronic jaw pain. A bite adjustment helps restore harmony and balance to the way your teeth meet, giving the joint a more stable resting position.
During this treatment, we identify high spots or irregular contact points and gently reshape them to create a smooth, even bite. This process is painless and highly precise. Many patients are surprised by how much relief they feel once the bite is no longer forcing the jaw to work against itself. This is especially helpful if your TMJ symptoms flare during chewing or yawning.
Restorative Dentistry for Worn Teeth
If grinding or clenching has worn down your teeth, the bite can collapse and place tremendous strain on the TMJ. Restorative treatments such as crowns, bonding, or rebuilding worn surfaces can help restore proper height and support to your bite. This improves jaw alignment and reduces stress on the joint.
Rebuilding the bite not only protects your teeth from further damage but also gives your jaw the support it needs for smooth, comfortable function. Many patients with long-term TMJ problems find that correcting worn teeth provides significant, lasting relief. Restorative work can also improve your smile, balance your chewing forces, and prevent fractures caused by chronic grinding.
Request An appointment today
We want to help you find relief from your pain. If your symptoms are severe, we can often see emergency cases the same day we receive a call. Whether you are looking for more information on TMD and Botox or simply need the pain to stop, call the TMJ specialists here at Beveridge Dental! We work with patients from all over the San Jose area, including Los Gatos and Saratoga, so give us a call!
