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
After having a tooth extraction, I found myself experiencing severe pain in my face and head, I thought I had developed in infection. I went back to my oral surgeon and he gave me an antibiotic to treat the infection. Unfortunately the pain continued and did not go away. I went to several doctors in an effort to figure out what was going on. I finally made it in to see an ears nose and throat specialist. After hearing my symptoms and viewing an MRI. He sent me to see Dr.Urbanek. After he examined me he told me what my problem was and treated it with this funny looking device that I had to ware 24/7. Yes I was a little skeptical, but it worked and I’m pain free now.
- Tim T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in three weeks ago with the following symptoms, right side jaw was popping, making crunching noises while chewing, ear and neck pain, and slight headaches. Dr Urbina diagnosed me with TMD, and developed a mouth device designed specifically to me. Within a short three week period all of my pain and symptoms are gone! I highly recommend anyone suffering from TMJ or any other symptoms to make an appointment to see Dr Urbina. This facility and experience is amazing!
- Debra H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
On my first visit I was in so much pain. The staff and doctor treated me so kindly. In addition to extreme TMJ pain, I had been suffering from frequent migraines for more than twenty years. Flash forward a year and four months later, of wearing my device, no TMJ pain and no migraines for the last six months. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the care I have received.
- Becky K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came to Dr Urbanek with severe pain in my jaw,neck and was having severe miagrains. The pain was so debilitating! He introduce me to the Urbanek device and it has changed my life forever! I am at 9 weeks of use and 90% better! I was able to stop using muscle relaxers and even stopped use of ibuprofen for pain! I recommend this device to anyone that has TMD!!
- Juanita Allison
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I started with many, many headaches and a frequent sore jaw in the mornings. My jaw popped and I ground my teeth constantly. Since I have had my device my headaches have decreased considerably and the constant pressure on my teeth has improved. I am so very pleased with this mouth piece and look forward to continued improvements.
- Shellia P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Urbanek really helped my problem with my jaw. I used to have headaches all the time because of my jaw pain, but now I rarely get headaches. My jaw used to lock up all the time too, but now since using the mouthpiece, my jaw doesn’t lock anymore.
- Kaelyn L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was having severe jaw pain and was recommended to see Dr Urbanek by my dentist. The symptoms I was having are at least 90% relieved. Looking forward to the 100% mark. Thank you Dr. Urbanek!
- Carol H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I was 14, I started having issues with my neck. It wasn’t severe but eventually the pain was in my jaw. I thought it was actually my teeth that was hurting. After several times of seeing my dentist and also my ENT it wasn’t going away. Our dental practices sold out so I had to start over with a new dentist and not long after seeing him my jaw locked. He spoke with my parents about trying a device that would help. Also helped with grinding my teeth at night. I started coming here almost 3 years now and they have helped me tremendously. The teeth grinding has stopped and the pain has also stopped. Highly recommend anyone having issues to come here.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in with headache ,ear pain, jaw pain and my jaw use to lock up. Since I have been using Dr. Urbanek device, my pain is almost gone! I am so grateful for this device.
- Peggy H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My TMJ was very bad when I saw Dr Urbanek. I was unable to chew and was only able to drink my nutrition due to severe jaw pain. It took a number of weeks wearing my device 24/7 before I began to get relief. Now I only have to wear the device at night to keep the pain from coming back. I’m so grateful for a surgery free solution. I would highly recommend this for anyone having TMJ symptoms!
- Cathy L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was diagnosed with a TMJ issue when I was about 11 or 12. I’m in my 30s now. I was always told there was nothing that can be done except surgery in extreme cases. My dentist recommended Dr. Urbanek and I was thrilled to find a non surgical solution. I had so much pain and soreness and it got to a point that I was eating pain reliever like candy. After a couple years of wearing this device I’m so much more comfortable and my pain is practically gone. I have almost 20 years of grinding and clenching to reverse, so I know it’s not an overnight heal. But I’ll keep doing this treatment for the next 30 years if it keeps the pain away and heals my jaw. I don’t even know what I would be doing now if I hadn’t started this treatment. I’m so grateful.
- Lori W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I arrived in this office in tears after dislocating my jaw 2 months ago. I was certain I would need surgery. Two months later, almost all of my symptoms have been resolved without surgery.
- Elicia H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was having headaches and facial pain when I saw Dr. Urbanek, after treatments no pain. Wonderful treatment !
- JudyL L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came to TMJ Services desperate for relief. I had to miss work every two weeks due to pain. My jaw was visibly swollen and locked. Within a few weeks, I had my device and immediately started to feel relief. I recommend this to anyone that has similar issues. I am no longer have to use sick days to get relief. I am so thankful that I found TMJ Services.
- Kali S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My only regret is not finding TMJ Services sooner. I previously had two other devices custom fit by dentist and there was little to no relief. Thank goodness I gave it one more go. My pain has been significantly reduced, I am resting better, eating salads with joy and feel hopeful about even more relief. I have only had the device for 3 weeks!
- Laura P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This treatment has been wonderful for relieving my TMJ pain and symptoms. It is a process, but I would encourage others to be consistent and disciplined with the treatment so they can see the benefits that I have experienced.
- Sarah C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Last year December 2022 I was having many issues with headaches, teeth aches, jaw popping and didn’t know why. Until one night I yawned and my jaw popped out of place. I made an dentist appointment the next morning due to severe pain. The dentist immediately referred me to the TMJ doctor. The TMJ doctor knew right away what the problem was I had torn my joint. Moving forward I was fitted for a splint to repair my joint. This has been the best experience of my life the splint has helped me with grinding my teeth while I sleep at night and waking up with headaches, to my mouth adjusted back in place within six months and nearly no pain, feeling great every day now thanks to Dr. Urbanek and the team for support.
- Sapulvada H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was have fluid in my ears and went to a ent and they sent me to here. And I was fitted with device that saved me from pain
- Robin P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve dealt with migraines, TMJ pain, ear problems, shoulder and neck pain, and arm tingling/numbness for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried many medicines for my migraines and pain that didn’t seem to help much. After using this device for about two months all of my pain problems have diminished almost completely! My migraines are nowhere near as painful, and I don’t get them super often anymore. My shoulder and neck pain and my tingling in my arms are also now completely gone! I extremely recommend seeing Dr. Urbanek, as the device he created has made my life much more comfortable!
- Jayda S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I first met the doctor about 3 months ago with severe pain in my right ear and lower right jaw when chewing food. After the initial diagnosis and started wearing the device about 20 plus hours/ day during the last 2 months my pain reduced by about 85%. I am very pleased with the professional care from the doctor and the staffs at the clinic. I will recommend to all my friends this procedure.
- Mohan N