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
Before I came to Dr Urbanek I was having a ton of pan and popping in my jaw. It was very hard to open my mouth and eat. After speaking to Dr Urbanek and being fitted for the appliance I was a little skeptical if this would work. After wearing it for 24 hours a day for several weeks I could really feel the difference. I no longer have the pain and as for the popping it is almost gone. I am now only wearing it at nighttime and only during the day as needed. The Dr and his staff are really nice and knowledgeable of what they are doing. I would highly recommend trying this out if you are having problems with your jaw and would highly recommend going to Dr Urbanek.
- Tammie K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’m in my mid twenties and just thought my jaw pain and headaches/neck aches were normal. They’ve become normal and I didn’t even realize it. When I was referred to Urbanek and given the device, it took a little bit of time to progress - but NOW I realize when I have a headache or jaw pain it’s so infrequent that I immediately think I don’t know when the last time I had one of these and I pop in my device during the day if it comes up to get rid of it now. Even if you’re young, its highly beneficial. You physically recognize how bad you were and where you are now. I hope this helps someone else out who might think ‘it’s not too bad’ just because you’ve normalized it. Trust me - the difference made me wish I knew about it sooner.
- Kayla B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve struggled with jaw issues for as far back as I can remember. I lived in constant fear that one day, my jaw would simply lock and never unlock. Coming here and realizing that so many people struggle with the same array of issues has given me a sense of peace that I never thought I would have. I am so thankful for the solution I was offered. A life without pain and fear was something I never thought I’d reach, and yet here I am, nearly completely symptom free. I cannot express how thankful I am. I would urge anyone who reads this and relates to please- please look into help because it is within reach and feels so liberating.
- Destin J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I went from being in so much everyday having to take pain medication to not feeling any pain at all in just 3 weeks. My symptoms of neck, shoulder, ear, and mouth pain has completely gone. I am so grateful for this TMJ device. Amazing staff, and Doctor!
- Tropical C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’m super satisfied with the treatment! In just 3 weeks, 80% of my symptoms went away. Dr. Urbanek is the best!!
- Guadalupe isarraras
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I first came in I had symptoms of headaches, mandibular, neck, shoulder and arm pain, ringing , voices and musicin the ears, tingling and numbness in the hands and fingers. I have been wearing the device for several months now and I am 100 percent better. I have a great appreciation for his knowledge and very thankful I found Dr. Urbanek.
- Mary J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Before I came to Dr. Urbanek, I was always told that I had a bad inner ear infection. I never know that I had TMJ. I have had bad headaches and neck pain. I had to wear my device for about 3 months all day long. I didn’t think it was going to work. I had a hard time with it but I made it work. When I tell you I could tell a difference around the 3 month, I so glad that I came and got my device. Now I’m wearing it only at night time but I find myself might having to put it in something doing the day. I want to Thank Dr. Urbanek for listening and helping me with my problem.
- Janice L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was a little skeptical when my dentist initially referred me here because nothing I’d tried before had worked to alleviate my pain. Still, I went to all of my appointments, following his instructions precisely, and I am thrilled that I did! My jaw joint pain has diminished 90% since first coming to see Dr. Urbanek and using his device! I have suffered with jaw joint pain, piercing headaches, earaches, shoulder and neck pain, (and a host of other symptoms I didn’t even know were related to JJP) for the majority of my adult life. I have used night guards and medication and other remedies but nothing compares to Dr. Urbanek’s device for significantly improving (or in many cases eliminating) jaw joint pain and its symptoms. I usually don’t ever give reviews on anything, but if my story and experience will help someone suffering with JJP discover Dr. Urbanek (and his device) quicker, then I’m happy to do it. Also, their customer service is above par!
- Falonda B