If you're in the Inland Empire and you're dealing with any kind of facial pain, TMJ, or weird pressure that no one can explain -- let me save you the runaround. Go see Dr. Buck. He's the only dentist I've met who actually listened and gave me real answers.
I'm 42 and have been through a lot. In 2022, I had Ramsay Hunt Syndrome that hit the right side of my face hard. Since then, I've dealt with facial nerve sensitivity, temple tightness, forehead pressure, sinus-like symptoms (without actual sinus issues), and non-stop headaches.
I had every test under the sun -- CT scans, sinus X-rays, bloodwork, allergy panels. I saw my primary, an ENT, and a few dentists. Nothing showed up. People kept saying, "Try Flonase," or "Maybe it's stress." But I knew something wasn't right.
Pain was daily -- pressure behind my eyes, nose, and especially in the temples and forehead. I started wearing my mouth guard again, did jaw exercises, even got on gabapentin. Some stuff helped a little, but the pain always came back.
I had veneers done recently too, which I later found out can throw your bite off just enough to cause muscle tension and nerve flare-ups. I had no idea. I just wanted to feel normal again.
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Finding Dr. Buck
I found Dr. Buck online while looking into Botox for TMJ. His office offered Botox for jaw tension and facial pain, and he was close enough for me to make the drive. I was ready to pay the $497 the website listed for Botox -- no hesitation.
But Dr. Buck had a different approach.
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What Happened at the Visit
He sat with me and actually listened -- like really listened -- to everything. My Ramsay Hunt history, my CPAP use, my symptoms, the veneers, meds I was on, and all the weird tension and pressure in my head.
He checked my bite, felt the muscles in my face, asked a bunch of smart questions, and then said something that really surprised me:
"I can give you Botox today, and I think it would help... but I don't think it's your best next move."
He told me based on everything I described, it might actually be something as simple as a supplement causing my issues -- like too much calcium or vitamin B12 overstimulating the nerves and muscles.
He said:
"If you were you I' stop the vitamins for 5-7 days first. If the symptoms improve, we found the cause. If not, come back and we'll do the Botox. But I'd rather not treat something that doesn't need it."
That floored me.
He saved me $497 right then and there. He only charged $69 for the full consult. He could've taken my money and done the injections -- most people would've -- but he didn't. He chose to give me a plan instead.
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Why That Meant Everything
Dr. Buck wasn't selling. He wasn't guessing. He was honest. He looked at the big picture and respected me enough to say, "Let's do what's right first."
That meant more to me than anything. It reminded me what it feels like to be taken seriously -- like someone actually wants to help you, not just take your money.
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If You're Struggling With...
Temple tension or forehead pressure
Facial pain that feels like sinus problems but isn't
TMJ, jaw clenching, or muscle tightness
Nerve pain after shingles or dental work
Headaches no one else has figured out
...then you need to see Dr. Buck.
He didn't just have the Botox ready -- he had integrity. He gave me a better solution. One that made sense.
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My Game Plan Now
I'm following his advice: no vitamins for a week. If things clear up, we'll know it was supplement-related. If not, I'll go back and get Botox -- knowing it's the right move and not just a guess.
This is how medicine should work. Thoughtful, clear, and patient-first.
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Dr. Buck -- You're the Truth
I left your office feeling lighter -- not just in my head, but in my mindset. For the first time in a while, I had hope.
If you're reading this and you're sick of being brushed off, go see him. This man knows his stuff, and more importantly, he cares.
Five stars. Ten out of ten. No question about it.
Thanks again, Dr. Buck read more
