~Honoring

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Years of Care~

We’re grateful to our patients and community for helping us reach this incredible milestone.

TMJ/TMD Treatment

Embarcadero Dentistry
WE OFFER A FULL SPECTRUM OF DENTAL SERVICES ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975
Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975
Welcome to Embarcadero Dentistry!

TMJ/TMD Treatment Overview

Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing? You may be suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD. At Embarcadero Dentistry, Dr. Shweta Prabhakar and Dr. Darin Joshnston are dedicated to providing compassionate care and effective treatment for patients with TMJ/TMD. Let them help you find relief from discomfort and restore harmony to your jaw function and overall well-being.

Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975

Shweta Prabhakar

D.D.S.

Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975
Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975

Solyna Vannak

R.D.H

Shweta Prabhakar

D.D.S.

General and Cosmetic Dentistry & Invisalign® Certified Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Danielle T.

“I have been going here for years and I wouldn’t go anyplace else! The entire staff is absolutely phenomenal! A very special thanks goes to Dr. Prabhakar who came in on her day off into the city during Super Bowl weekend and fought through a crowded city to fix my tooth and get me out of the extreme pain I was in. I couldn’t ask for better people! I’d come from anywhere in the world to go to this office!”

Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975

Darin T. Johnston

D.D.S.

Dr. Johnston received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from Brigham Young University and Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the University of Colorado at the Anschutz Medical Campus. He then pursued surgical training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Tennessee Knoxville Medical Center. While in residency, he focused on the surgical and non-surgical management of facial trauma, head and neck cancer, benign pathology of the face and jaws, dentofacial deformities, obstructive sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disease. 

What are TMJ and TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions affecting the TMJ and the muscles, ligaments, and nerves surrounding it. TMD can cause pain, stiffness, and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues.

Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure composed of the jawbone (mandible), the temporal bone of the skull, and a disc of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the two bones. The TMJ allows for smooth and controlled jaw movements during activities such as talking, chewing, and yawning.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of TMD?

Signs and symptoms of TMD can vary widely from person to person but may include:

TMJ/TMD Treatments

Occlusal Splints / TMJ Orthotics: Custom-fitted oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw, alleviate muscle tension, and reduce TMJ pain and discomfort. The difference between NG and Orthotics is that an NG only protects the teeth from forces of grinding and clenching. TMJ orthotics not only protect the teeth but also treat the muscle ligaments and joints as well. Very precise measurements are taken in the office and the orthotics are designed to bring them to an optional position so the muscles can relax and become functional and joints can heal.

Botox Injections: We administer Botulinum toxin injections to the jaw muscles to relieve muscle spasms and reduce pain associated with TMD.

Physical Therapy: Therapeutic exercises, stretches, and massage techniques to improve jaw mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce inflammation and pain.

Medications: Prescription or over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants, can alleviate pain and inflammation associated with TMD.

Stress Management Techniques: Stress-reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises, biofeedback, or counseling, can alleviate tension and anxiety that may contribute to TMD symptoms.

Dental Treatments: Restorative dental treatments, such as dental crowns, bridges, or orthodontic adjustments, can correct your bite alignment issues and reduce TMJ strain.

Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975

What to Expect When Getting TMD Therapy

  1. Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Prabhakar and Dr. Johnston will conduct a thorough evaluation of your jaw function and symptoms, including a physical examination, dental imaging, and possibly diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans.
  2. Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your needs and the severity of your TMD symptoms, she will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific concerns and goals.
  3. Treatment Implementation: Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may involve a combination of conservative therapies, such as oral appliances and physical therapy, as well as other necessary interventions.
  4. Follow-Up Care: Dr. Shweta Prabhakar will monitor your progress closely and make adjustments to your treatment plan as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes and long-term relief from TMD symptoms.
Our Expert at Embarcadero Dentistry

Dr. Prabhakar and Dr. Johnston specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders with advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans. She prioritizes your comfort and well-being, providing comprehensive evaluations, conservative therapies, and ongoing support to help you find relief from TMJ pain and restore optimal jaw function. With their commitment to excellence and patient-centered approach, you can trust them to deliver the highest standard of care and guide you on the path to a healthier, more comfortable smile.

TMJ/TMD Treatment in San Francisco

Don’t let TMJ/TMD pain and discomfort interfere with your quality of life. At Embarcadero Dentistry, Dr. Prabhakar and Dr. Johnston are here to provide expert diagnosis and compassionate care for patients with TMJ/TMD discomfort. Please schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards finding relief and restoring harmony to your jaw function and overall well-being.

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