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 came into Dr. Urbanek’s office with chronic jaw locking and pain in my jaw area and after three weeks of wearing the device I have seen a drastic difference and I no longer am experiencing locking and very little pain. I cannot recommend this device enough
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I started out with severe pain with jaw and sinuses and at base of skull on each side. My ears had pressure from inside and they were not stopped up but pressure from inside. My chin had tingling and numb spots they would come and go. Headaches and right eye would get blurry sometimes. I had been to regular doctor who prescribed antibiotics thinking sinus. Teeth began to hurt as if the nerves were exposed top and bottom on the right side. I called dentist and they did X-rays and seen nothing. Two days later I ended up in ER with unbearable pain and they did blood work, and CT scans and they gave me steroids and antiflamitory meds and said I needed to see TMJ specialist, I called my regular dentist who referred me to another who referred me to Dr. Urbank and the TMJ of Brentwood. I was terrified and exhausted at my first appointment and 9 weeks later I am 85% better and I have an understanding of what happened to me and how to take care of myself. I had no idea something like this could have such an impact on my day to day life. And the fear of something wrong with my neck and vertebrates that would require surgery was so stressful. I can’t believe that no need for meds or surgery was needed. And the therapy and device I wore could make these changes.
- Crystal B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I first came to Dr Urbanek I was having pain in my face, jaw, and really bad migraines. It has been 5 months and now I’m able to eat most regular foods. I’m no longer on a soft food diet. I do not get migraines anymore. The pain in my face and jaw has diminished greatly. The ringing in my ears has almost all gone away. 80% of my symptoms are gone and I feel like I’m getting back to being happy again. This mouthpiece has made a big difference. It’s a huge relief to not be experiencing pain like I was before. Big thank you to Dr Urbanek and the friendly staff!
- Kristen B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience. I walked in with pain in my TMJ and the appliance I was fitted with stopped the discomfort almost immediately. Highly recommend Dr. Urbina
- Carol B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve been dealing with TMJ problems on and off for years, but it finally got to a point where I needed extra help. I was referred here and from the second I walked in the door, such a positive experience with such friendly staff! The device works if you use as instructed. After just a couple months, I have little to no pain and have seen a significant decrease in symptoms.
- Allicen C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was convinced that my vertigo and headaches were ear related. After nearly a year of testing and a false Meniere’s Disease diagnosis, my ENT suggested my TMJ might be to blame. My ENT and my dentist referred me to Dr. Urbanek’s office, and I’m so grateful that they did. In just one visit, Dr. Urbina diagnosed my me with TMD and he showed me how worn my joints had become from years of stressful clenching. With what they call “the device,” which is a special type of retainer, I have practically alleviated all of my symptoms in just 3 weeks time. Now I know how to let my jaw rest, and I am truly amazed at how the body heals itself. I used to get headaches whenever a storm came and the barometric pressure changed or when I would bend down to do a yoga pose. But since starting with the Urbanek device, I’m no longer downing ibuprofen whenever the wind changes, and I have returned to my yoga practice. I still have to be kind to my TMJs by wearing the device and eating soft foods, but I now know what the problem is and how to let my body heal. Who knew a little piece of plastic could make such a tremendous difference! I am so grateful to the Urbanek team for their care and their time to educate me. As a teacher myself, I appreciate medical professionals who take the time to educate and not just medicate.
- Carrie J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Within a matter of weeks I have gone from not being able to finish a meal, jaw locking up, severe nighttime pain, and shooting ear pain to having absolutely no symptoms at all! I feel like a new person. I cam eat and sleep again…thanks to a little piece of plastic and Dr Urbanek!
- Christi L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am so thankful my dentist sent me here, suspecting my severe gum pain and headaches were a result of a TMJ problem. I had had medical tests, including a brain MRI, trying to diagnose my severe head and gum pain, which as though my teeth were hurting. After wearing the device made my me at the Urbanek clinic a week and a half to 2 weeks, my pain was resolved completely. It was truly amazing.
- Darlene C