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
Previously before the treatment with the device I had came in for severe pain in my jaw, hurting to talk, eat, chew, anything mouth related was aching. Along with this came ear aches and headaches. During the process of getting an idea what was best for me, the explanation of what was causing my jaw pain made sense and it gave me an idea of why and what was going on. After receiving my device the aching and pain went away and I noticed a great change in the way I was feeling. Now only have had it about a month it has made a huge difference.
- Maleana S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After one bad dentist caused major issues, a round of many new dentists and specialists ensued to figure out the incredible amount of pain and swelling that I was experiencing. Finally my new dentist who was extremely thorough said I think it may be your jaw. She sent me to Dr. Urbanek. He reviewed my case, examined me, and said I can help. He created what I call a mouth splint. He calls a device. I began wearing it as instructed. The swelling and pain decreased fairly quickly, witchin probably two weeks. After over two years of absolute hell and running around, losing teeth, I finally had relief - significant relief. I continue to wear it nightly and will for the rest of my life because the benefit I reap from wearing it is HUGE! If you are having issues with your mouth that your dentist or specialist can’t quite figure out, call and make an appointment with Dr. Urbanek. It certainly cannot hurt and very well may give your pain-free life back!
- Maxwella B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I remember how frustrated I was when I first was in so much pain. I went to a million different doctors and dentists that all told me the same thing. They all just sort of tossed their hands up and said “tough luck” in a sense. When I was originally referred to Dr. Urbanek I figured it was just gonna be the same old story, and the same thing I’ve always been told. However, I was pleasantly surprised from the beginning about how they actually cared about the pain I was going through. They actually asked me questions, gave me solutions, and most importantly gave me hope. As I continued to follow Dr. Urbanek’s steps my pain lessened and lessened. I was so deep in the belief that my pain had no cure, and that I’d just be like this forever. That all changed once I went to Dr. Urbanek and I’m very thankful. For anyone who’s going through this kind of pain, please go to Urbanek. There is hope.
- Walter C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Before I got my device, I had a constant aching pain on my jaw and cheek area. I would have to massage my cheek daily and put ice on it. I also had difficulty opening my mouth to eat some foods (hamburger). After wearing the device for 8 weeks, I have improved 90%. I have no constant pain. Sometimes when I yawn, I feel a little pain. Another added benefit is that my ears used to stop up all the time and that is not happening anymore! I am so happy to have found Dr. Urbanek!
- Sara K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in to Dr Urbanek the end of October with sever headaches and neck pains after going to Other Doctors with this problem. Dr Urbanek fit me with a mouth piece and I wore it for 8 weeks. I’m so thankful I found him and he has taken 95% of my pain away. Thank you Dr Urbanek for your help.
- Brenda M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Urbina listened to my complaint of constant right jaw pain and I was not able to open my mouth up enough to even take a bite of food sometimes to where now I no longer have any pain on my right side and can chew normal. He has really changed my life with this procedure.
- Melanie W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have been to many doctors trying to figure out why I have been having such bad ear pain in both ears and they have treated it as a ear infection and still didn’t work. Finally they decided to send me to a TMJ specialist to see if that is the cause. I am so glad they sent me to Dr.Urbanek he ran through the test and sure enough I had TMJ and they fitted me for a device which was very affordable and they work with you to see what is a better option for you. I have been wearing the device for almost two months now and it has cleared up my ear pain. I would definitely recommend going to his office if you have a TMJ problem.
- Kimberly S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
For more than 10 years I have been dealing with excruciating headaches, arm numbing, neck pain, ear pain, I went to see neurologists, ENt’s, and all kind of doctors, who prescribed me medication for pain, that is used for seizures. This medications only caused me more side effects than benefits. It was until my dentist referred me to Dr. Urbanek. Until the I was able to experience true relief, my pain started disappearing, and more important I stopped being drugged with all the medication. This small device, has provided healing true healing of my body. I have to say that it is not a magical device, “You have to be disciplined “, you have to use the device as directed. Today my pain is gone for 90%. I wish I had met Dr. Urbanek 20 years ago.
- Aurea I