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 Office Phone Number 615-771-1983 or request an appointment online.
TMJ Services
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
In May 2024 I woke up with my jaw popping which was nothing new except it was my left side of my jaw not my right. My right jaw has popped for forever, so I thought nothing of it. Towards the end of the day it started to hurt a bit more and eventually I could only open my teeth far enough apart to get a straw through, no more. I called a clinic went there first where they sent me to the er. Once there they gave me muscle relaxers and told me to see a dentist. I go to my dentist they send me to another dentist to get special X-rays. I talk to multiple TMJ clinics that are months out from treating people. At this time it’s been a week and I’ve been living off of protein shakes. Finally I find TMJ services of Brentwood and get in right away. They instantly know what’s wrong and quickly get me a device. Soon my mouth is opening wider and my headaches are going away. It’s now December and after a few appointments and adjustments I am only wearing my device at night and I have none of my original symptoms present. I’m happy to be able to eat normal foods again and not have a persistent pain when I chew or talk. It was frustrating to not know what was going on at first, but I am glad I finally found them before having to go to more doctors.
- Maddie B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Urkbanek is the best.
- Sandre G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Before starting this therapy I was completely miserable. I was having severe ear pain, migraines, jaw pain, neck pain and I couldn’t sleep. I felt completely hopeless and didn’t know what to do. Then I was referred to Dr. Urbanek by my ear doctor. Ever since starting this therapy In just 3 weeks 90% of my symptoms are gone. I would absolutely recommend this therapy to anyone suffering like I was.
- Addison P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came a year ago with consistent headaches and jaw locking. But after wearing this device for almost a year, I no longer have consistent headaches or jaw locking. I can tell a difference in my jaw no longer having stress or pressure.
- Faithlyn H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Starting around 15 years of age I was having pain in my left side of my jaw, making it very difficult to fully open or close my mouth. Numerous dentists told me it was just a flare and would fix itself. I spent 15 years in pain on and off. With every flare up it would be more severe and last longer. One dentist tried to get me to wear a head piece every morning and night to attempt to fix it. I would tell my dentist every six months about the pain and would get nowhere. The last flare that caused me to search out real help lasted from June until October, which is when I finally came to TMJ services of Brentwood and got my mouth piece. This piece has been the only thing that has EVER helped, including trying NSAIDs and even opioids. Wearing the mouth piece 24/7 was daunting at first but quickly became worth it. I hope more dentists can see the symptoms and results and get people the real help they need quicker.
- Addison D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I first came here, I was having severe right jaw pain. So much so I ended up In the er. I was also having pain in my neck, upper back and shoulder, regular headaches. After several months of using this device, I rarely have any of those symptoms. The service here is amazing. I would highly recommend anyone having issues with TMJ, to come here.
- Jennifer K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have been struggling with jaw pain and headaches for the majority of my life. I have asked countless doctors and dentists what to do with my jaw pain, and I got little to no care. There were points when the pain was so bad I could barely open my mouth. Now I have significantly less headaches and little jaw pain. I am so thankful for the treatment I had here,
- Breanna Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in with almost all the symptoms of TMJ , headaches, dizziness, numbness and tingling in hands. The clincher was ringing in my ears that sent me looking for help. The device wasn’t hard to get used to and I’m so much better with I would recommend this to anyone who has TMJ issues.
- Joni Carroll
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
In just three short weeks my symptoms have decreased significantly. My headaches are all but gone and the tenderness of my jaw is decreasing. I feel like I have started to get my life back from this issue. I am so grateful for the whole team here.
- Timothy F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
So thankful I found TMJ Services of Brentwood and Dr. Urbina, and their wonderful staff! I knew I was grinding my teeth at night and had discussed this with my dentist for several years, and they had fitted me with a night guard. While that helped to protect my teeth from breakage, it did not stop the symptoms of the grinding such as the pain in the teeth, jaw, joint, ear or the huge, painful knots that I would get in the back of my neck behind my ear. My dentist eventually referred me, and the guard device that they created for me brought immediate relief and, thankfully, my symptoms reduced until they were all gone. It has been life changing! Thank you Dr. Urbina!
- Candice T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I first came to TMJ services I was dealing with severe jaw pain, headaches, tension, etc. Since starting the therapy and wearing the device, I have improved greater than 90%. I am thankful for the services they have provided and for helping me get better. 10/10 recommend!
- Molly M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in to get help with the pain I was experiencing from TMJ. I had headaches all the time, muscle pain in my neck and shoulder, ear pain, and occasional dizziness. I wasn’t sleeping well and was very irritable. I was so excited to receive my device after I met with Dr. Urbanek. I wore my device consistently as recommended and and felt changes occurring within the first three days. After three weeks, I do not have headaches, ear pain, or neck pain. The results have been life changing. I occasionally have some muscle pain still if I catch myself clenching my teeth but it subsides as my awareness of the issue grows. I am incredibly happy with the choice to move forward with this device and I’m a firm believer that it is life changing for me. ..
- Angela W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had jaw joint pain for many years. I came to Dr Urbanek because me jaw joint was popping and very painful. Dr Urbanek fitted me with his device. A couple of weeks later I returned to pick up the device. I’ve been wearing it now 7/24 for three weeks. The pain in my jaw is completely gone. I am extremely pleased with the results so. I do have to wear the device for a few more weeks to receive the full benefit but I am willing to do that because of the further results I expect to receive.
- Thomas L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I first came in, I had been in chronic jaw pain for about 5 years. It is such a relief to have this device, which has reduced my pain tremendously, I now experience a little pain about 10-15% of the time and this device has been great!
- Marciana P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My jaw hurt so much that I could barely open it. Dr. Urbanek has treated me for roughly six months. My progress has been amazing. I can chew without pain. The device he introduced me to is simple but it works so well.
- Chris C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was in a lot of pain when I first came here several months ago. I’m virtually pain free now. Had I worn the device as I was instructed to from the very beginning, I’m sure I would have improved much quicker. After starting to wear the device for about a month, I made the mistake of reading the reviews and saw some bad reviews so I stopped wearing it. Then after a few weeks I decided to go back and have them address all my concerns. Thank goodness I did! This time my appointment was with Dr. Urbina. What a God send! Such a kind, patient and knowledgeable Doctor. He took a lot of time addressing all my concerns. I went home and followed his advice and now I feel great.
- Anne Marie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
On my initial visit, I had terrible pain in my jaw, headaches, ear pain and the constant sound in my ears of grinding bone. It hurt to chew and yawn and I couldn’t open my mouth wide. I think my treatment took a little longer than most but after 14 months, I feel virtually pain free. I estimate that I’m 90% better today after my treatment.
- Vickie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have been very impressed with the clinics professionalism. The device has made a world of difference not only with device but making me be aware of situations that have caused my increase in pain. I would highly recommend this therapy to anyone who suffers with TMJ and especially thus clinic
- Fran D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I went from having migraines 2 to 3 times a week and a constant pain in my jaw, ultimately affecting my quality of life. After getting help from the TMJ Services of a Brentwood with my Urbanek Device, I have no more migraines or jaw pain. I am so much happier!
- Allie T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was suffering from horrible acute jaw pain that was diminishing my quality of life and when I started using the orthotic I experienced relief from the debilitating pain by week 8 and I could not be happier from my results. The level of misinformation and wrong diagnosis out there for TMJD is insanely high. I am so thankful I found Dr. Urbanek’s office because my smile is back and I am pain free most days now.
- Tara E