Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) in Brentwood TN
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Urbanek and Dr. Urbina can help you have a healthier, more comfortable jaw.
Do You Have Jaw Pain You Think May be TMJ?
If you are experiencing recurring headaches, earaches, neck or jaw pain you migth have TMJ Disorder. Schedule an evaluation with a TMJ Dentist near you!
Trouble with your jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
TMJ Treatment in Brentwood TN
There are various treatment options for TMJ that Drs. Urbanek and Urbina can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Drs. Urbanek or Urbina will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care combined with professional care.
The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a TMJ Device. A TMJ Device (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night. It also helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day, or just at night, to move your jaw into proper position. Appliances also help protect tooth wear.
What about bite correction or surgery?
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed, but are reserved for severe cases. Drs. Urbanek and Urbina do not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.
TMJ Services Of Brentwood
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was dealing with headaches and muscle tightness in my neck and shoulders. My jaw sat off to the side and opening my mouth wide open would cause it to lock up. Since using the device, I have had less headaches and muscle stiffness. I have also been able to sleep better as well. I am very grateful for this device!
- Cassandra M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I first arrived here my pain was excruciating but after seeing the Dr my pain began to feel better and each time I would come for my next visit s it kept getting better and better so on today I feel exceptionally better
- Wanda holmes H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came here initially since my jaw felt tense all the time. I then found out through treatment of Dr. Urabanek and Dr. Urbina why I was having this discomfort and was given my personal TMJ device. After use of the device my discomfort has decreased significantly! I am very happy with the service I have received here.
- Ila A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After suffering with symptoms that ranged from headaches, jaw and shoulder pain, jaw noise, ear ringing and then teeth pain I came to TMJ services of Brentwood. The staff are fantastic and after a scan and clinical exam I was provided a custom splint and placed on a protocol. After just 3 weeks 90 % of my symptoms are gone. I am so glad I decided to visit this office before proceeding with teeth extractions and constant use of over the counter pain medicine. I hoped for results but I have been more than ecstatic with how the splint has helped me.
- Michelle Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My symptoms included jaw pain, and sharp pain in the jaw when eating, No gross impression needed, highly technical and such an easy fit of the device. After eight weeks, I have seen 100% improvement.
- Rita S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was referred to TMJ strives by my sister who had terrible TMJ. She received her device 7 years ago and still swears by it. I always ground my teeth and clenched my jaw while both awake and while sleeping. When I received my device the symptoms immediately began to lessen. I did not realize how aggressive my jaw was and the damage I must have been causing. I chewed through multiple devices and required multiple adjustments. But now my symptoms are completely gone. The team at TMJ services were amazing I’m figuring out exactly what I needed.
- Jordam I
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I experienced frequent and protracted dizzy spells before treatment for TMJ. Actually missed some time from work due to vertigo-like symptoms. So happy that the TMJ medical device has reduced the frequency of these events to only once during the past six weeks! This represents a huge reduction to dizziness spells prior to treatment.
- John J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came to Dr. Urbanek’s office with clicking of the jaw, jaw pain, and pain in my neck and shoulders. I also clench and grind my teeth. I wore my dental device according to plan and every night without fail. The majority of my symptoms are gone!
- Sandra E