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
After receiving my device and wearing it 24/7 for the first two weeks, I noticed the pain I previously had was gone. I no longer had the headaches or jaw pain. I’m thankful Dr. Urbina identified that it was TMJ that I had and recommended this mouthpiece. I never realized I was a clincher, which caused the underlying problems. Three weeks into wearing it and my pain is gone completely. I’m so thankful for this non surgical, non-medicated treatment option to TMJ.
- Jackie L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Before starting the device I struggled with severe popping of the jaw and even locking. I would just be doing everyday tasks like brushing my teeth when the locking occurred. I experienced profound pain in my jaw when the locking occurred . After receiving the device all my pain and popping in my jaw was adjusted and I no longer experience any of the symptoms I had prior to starting the device. Overall I am very happy with my experience and would recommend this for others experiencing the same thing.
- Summer E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was having disturbing jaw locking without provocation. Then the jaw began to pop every time I ate, and sometimes when I spoke. Eventually, pain set in. I found relief with this device! It’s wonderful!
- Lynne M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in very frustrated with my jaw and ear issues and left extremely happy and healed. The pain and ear inflammation are practically gone. I felt that I was heard when I expressed my concerns and the doctor was amazing because of his compassion and the time he took with me at each visit to address the challenges I faced. I am eternally grateful.
- Valerie F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in with pain in jaw joints with popping and a lisp that had formed. Since wearing the device my jaw has settled back and I no longer have pain in my joints or headaches from clenching my jaw.
- Sara B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have suffered with TMJD for 40+ years with exacerbation of symptoms in the recent months to include constant headaches, shoulder, neck and arm pain and nearly unbearable pain when opening my mouth. Fast forward to 3 weeks after being fitted with the Urbanek device and I am pain free! Headaches - gone! Neck, shoulder and arm pain - gone! This treatment has restored my quality of life; that is no exaggeration.
- Julie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
There are so many things that I could say, but let’s just start with I’ve been coping with TMJ now for over 10 years. If you’re reading this then we all know how TMJ affects every aspect of our lives. Not only is it so painful for me it was debilitating I could barely get out of bed the headaches were out of control my children were suffering I had went prior and could not be assisted because I have an upper denture. That was the worst news, and my son was 4 months old then, now he is 9! In the beginning the pain was there and like all moms we push through, we do what we Gotta do, and the end of last year 2024 I decided to make a change! I found TMJ services of Brentwood through social media and a friend. Not many people know I have an upper plate! Understandably I’m sure! When I first made the call a lady name KJ answer the phone, and when you talk about answering the phone with a smile that’s definitely every lady in this office! The consultation was free so I thought why not, i’ve tried everything else from over the counter pain medication to store-bought mouthguards , I almost cried when I explain to her how I couldn’t cope any longer…actually I did cry! She got me in literally within a couple of days where I have usually had to wait weeks for a Appointment. I came, Dr.Urbina discussed options, and I got fitted for my device that day! I am such a skeptic I hate that about myself however this device has changed my life not only within a week did it stop my headaches completely/ I noticed my neck and shoulders stopped hurting so much! Dr. Urbina, very direct with delivery of his plan for my journey was such a relief. Dr. Urbina explained exactly what I needed to know and understand, he gave me a timeline on my individual issues and not only did I get the device implant, he’s continuing to help me through this journey to make me feel good about the way I look! I can tell you that was a bonus! My journey through this is nowhere near done and because of my individuality I will continue to wear my mouthpiece every night a grinding clinch in my sleep but now I’m confident, healthy mindset, and no more pain! When you have TMJ pain the way you look is the last thing you could care about so that’s an added bonus. Not only is this affordable as a single mom of two it’s essential for me and I felt like it’s essential for me to share with you guys. Julie help me with my financial situation and I don’t have the best credit she made it work for my payments are affordable and in general she is a pleasure to be around they all are thanks so much guys I really appreciate all you’ve done! Regards from a pain free patient! Sam
- Samantha L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in the office with jaw pain so bad I would have migraines. Since using this device, my jaw pain has deceased immensely and I am no longer having migraines. Very thankful for this doctor and office staff.
- Charity M