Dr. Jennifer Buchanan - San Rafael, California

Roger A.

I worked with Dr Buchanan to tame my snoring and drive better sleep for my wife and myself. She spent time with me to explain each step of the process. There were 8 adjustments possible with the mouth appliance (essentially a mouth guard), and I was prepared to increment through many of them. The first setting completely and fully solved my snoring right out of the gate. It is totally amazing, and this is life changing! I now have a happy wife and much better sleep for myself as well. I could not be happier with the outcome and the care provided by Dr Buchanan.

NB D.

Dr. Buchanan is a modern-day miracle worker. Let me explain, one day in May 2022, I woke up and my jaw was stuck in a locked position. Talking was difficult, and eating was limited to a straw/spoon diet. I saw my GP and he told me it was TMJ and gave me a sports dental guard to wear at night. I sought treatment from my dentist, and he told me it was bad (but not the worst possible) and that I'd need a custom retainer that would help keep my jaw from getting worse. Eventually, my jaw was able to release a little to the point where I could live a somewhat modified lifestyle. On a great day, I could eat a banana without any modifications. If it was less than a great day, I'd have to chop up that banana to get it in my mouth. Last year was not filled with great days (thus, lots of chopped bananas). On the quest for the best TMJ treatment around, I found Dr. Buchanan's office and made an appointment.
Stepping into Dr. Buchanan's office is like stepping foot into a tranquil retreat. The straight-lined Eastern furniture blends modern elements with warm woods in an artful taste that is simple, yet serene and elegant. The lighting is unobtrusive and creates an inviting, warm, relaxed atmosphere. The receptionist is welcoming and kind. And as for Dr. Buchanan? Dr. Buchanan is one of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. She is welcoming, compassionate, authentic, and incredibly knowledgeable.
Dr. Buchanan listened patiently to me as I described my ordeal with my TMJ issues over the last year. I informed her that I had a bicycle accident as a child that resulted in me landing on my chin. Since that accident, I could open my mouth decently far. But if I needed to "open wide" like dentists often request, I would need to "reset" my jaw (basically close my mouth, shift my jaw, and then re-open it) to get to the widest setting..kind of like a snake. Dr. Buchanan listened intently and asked questions along the way. We discussed the medical treatment I had sought for my TMJ and at the end of our conversation, Dr. Buchanan was able to recite a rather detail-oriented medical history of my TMJ issues back to me. I was amazed at the attention to detail in her notes.
The next part of our session took place in a comfortable dental chair, a chair without all the crazy doo-dads and drills that you would normally see in a general dentist's office. Dr. Buchanan examined and took measurements of my bite and range of motion on the jaw. Then, through what feels like a relaxing massage therapy session, examined the muscles/ligaments connected to the jaw (from the top of the head to the jaw, and from the neck to the shoulders). The best way I can describe the last part of the exam is similar to muscle manipulation therapy (something that is common in physical therapy). Dr. Buchanan gently manipulated the tissue along the bottom of my jaw and my cheek. At the end of the exam, Dr. Buchanan asked me to open my mouth for final measurements of my jaw's range of motion. To my surprise, I was able to FULLY open my mouth wide! I hadn't been able to do this AT ALL in the last year... AND (the kicker), I could open my mouth wide in one single go - no "resetting" my jaw like I had been doing for the last 30 years! I was very ecstatic (and still am!). All of my problems, my ailments with my jaw (30 years worth) have disappeared in a single afternoon with Dr. Buchanan. If that's not a miracle, I'm not sure what is.
It's been a few weeks since my initial visit with Dr. Buchanan, and I still have the full range of motion in my jaw. Dr. Buchanan provided me with a few jaw exercises to do daily to help keep my jaw moving in the right direction. I've been sticking to those exercises and everything is still working well.

Jean H.

I can not say enough good things about Dr. Buchanan. I haven’t experienced anyone in the medical field that has been so thorough, compassionate and kind. So refreshing to be heard. I feel better already.

Maddie

Dr. Buchanan is absolutely brilliant and excels in a field that is lacking in experts. She is a top notch orofacial pain specialist and has helped me tremendously with my severe TMJ problems. She is truly an expert and angel

kristina M. Y.

Amazing specialist...feel very lucky to be her patient. Brilliant, insightful, top expertise.

Lorna J.

A caring, brilliant doctor.

Dara W.