TMJ
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.
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 Jaw Pain You Think May be TMJ?
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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
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.
Call our office at TMJ Services Phone Number 615-771-1983 or request an appointment online.
TMJ Services
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I went from having excruciating pain to no pain at all in only a few weeks!
- Lucas W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came after wearing a mouth guard for years, but was experiencing jaw & ear pain. Within a month or so, I really noticed how much less pain I was in & I was sleeping better too! It was a mind blown moment for me at my first apt when I found out all the things my clenching was causing, not just the jaw pain. Urbanek’s device prevents my back teeth from touching, where a regular mouth guard did not! It really is the best investment I’ve made in myself! I can’t sleep without it!
- Jennifer B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I came to them I was in pretty extreme pain and was having lots of other dental problems because of my teeth clinching and grinding and getting my TMJ device has been a godsend!!! My pain has almost completely gone with only slight flare up’s. I’m so glad I did this for my health and well-being!! Thank you so much for solving my pain issues I’m forever grateful.
- Kristy G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia in 2010 and put on medication that I was told I’d be taking possibly for the rest of my life. I decided to get a second opinion, after being on medication for more than 10 years and no improvement in my jaw pain. I connected with TMJ Services. After now wearing my device for several months, the pain I was having in my left jaw has almost disappeared completely.
- Gaylon T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I came in for my first appointment, I was experiencing 7 out of 10 pain levels every day. It hurt to chew on my left side, sometimes the pain was so bad that swallowing hurt. I tried physical therapy and a chiropractor with little relief. Within 48 hours of wearing the device my pain was 50% better. At 4 weeks with the device, my pain levels have improved by 85%. I am so happy with my decision to come to TMJ Services and follow through with this treatment plan.
- Jocelyn A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I started in a lot of pain, but when I got put in the retainer it started to help. I had really bad headaches and my jaw was always popping. The retainer really helped my jaw from hurting and popping and helped my pain almost completely stop.
- Cambree M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came here with the worst jaw pain I could have ever imagined, so the amazing doctors here helped me figure out what was happening and got me on a plan. This TMJ device has helped my symptoms tremendously decrease. I would definitely recommend these Doctor for any jaw pain, ache, or discomfort.
- Sarah K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Was referred through ENT for ear pain, headaches, popping jaw, & overall discomfort/pain in the facial and shoulder area. Was fitted for and received my device. After wearing the device for the prescribed time, symptoms decreased by 85%. Very happy with the experience, and the knowledge given during my appointments by staff.
- Brittany M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The docs and staff here are very professional and make each visit easy and comfortable. I’ve had a great experience these past few months and am looking forward to more amazing progress!
- Taylor B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I struggled with migraines and dizziness for over 8years. I was diagnosed with minears disease by my ENT. They tried steroid shots in my eardrum, Botox shots in the top of my head and even removing my wisdom teeth. Still no luck. I saw doctors, ENT, and neurologist in hopes of finding a cure but no luck. The there was sleep doctor at St Thomas that refused to give me a second sleep test because she was convinced it was TMJ. She told me to google Dr Urbanek. I met with him and he told me he didn’t care what I had been diagnosed with by any other doctor. And he had 10 questions he wanted to ask me. I met the criteria of 9 of those questions. So we moved forward on making a splint. After just 2 weeks my headaches went away and after a few months the dizziness went away. The ears take longer to heal he explained. This device changed my life. I was in a major depression as well as spent thousands of dollars trying to get better with no luck. This was the best thing I have ever bought in my whole life. I am able to enjoy life again. If you suffer from theses same problems please come see him. I promise you will be the happiest you have ever been in just a couple weeks. This device is a game changer. I recommend this a 100 out of 100. Don’t wait any longer.
- Josh B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My TMJ brace has helped so much! Pain has gone way down: both for headaches and earaches. Grateful I found this solution!
- Emily M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend anyone suffering from TMJ problems to visit Dr Urbanek I have suffered for years with TMJ I have improved in the first week by using the device i have no jaw pain, no headaches, and no ear pain. Thanks to the wonderful doctors and staff.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My symptoms consisted of headaches and jaw pain that slowly started to move into my right ear. Dr. Urbanek was the first to know and understand what was going on, since using this device my symptoms are almost completely gone !!
- Kazdyn B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had jaw pain for along time and started getting worse over the past 2 years to where I couldn’t eat much and began to lock up when I woke up and such. So I found this place and we got the mouth piece set up and I’m 3 weeks In and don’t wake up with lock jaw and the pain is less and when I eat it dose not pop as much would recommend trying this.
- Zakary B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Ever since I’ve came here I’ve got better from my jaw
- Jeshua J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I came to TMJ services. I had 24 hour ear pain that was affecting my quality of life. 3 weeks later I have hardly any jaw or ear pain. Dr. Urbina explained everything very well and help me understand my injury and the healing process better than it had ever been explained before
- Tina R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was suffering from severe TMJ pain that radiated to my ear, neck, and shoulder. The pain was so intense that it would wake me up in the middle of the night, and I had to avoid countless foods. After just a few weeks with my device, symptoms were cut in half, and after 2 months, they were reduced by 80%.
- Keller P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had problems with headaches for a long time and recently have had a lot of trouble with My ears, infections, fullness and pain. After numerous visits to the ENT Doctor with no solutions they referred me to Dr Urbanek and after 2 months I’m already 90 % better
- Kimberly R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Doctor Urbanek I would highly recommend to anyone with TMJ disease. He is highly accomplished and professional at what he does and has a great chair side manor. If you have any TMJ disease symptoms he is the man to see.
- Randy Moss D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
On the recommendation of my primary care dentist, I first visited TMJ Services of Brentwood in February, 2021 and was introduced to Dr. Urbina. Prior to that first visit, I was experiencing periodic, painful, radiating headaches in my frontal cortex. In a very clear and understandable terms Dr. Urbina discussed with me the potential benefit to be derived from the use of their proprietary device. Candidly, the simplicity of the device itself and its use surprised me compared to my expectations of what TMD treatment might entail. I can unequivocally state that the relief I derived from the outset in wearing the palate insert was remarkable. Today, I remain pain free. I can only offer my heartiest endorsement of this device and the benefit it offers. It has improved the quality of my life immeasurably. Thank you Dr. Urbina!
- Robert L