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?
Schedule a TMJ evaluation Today
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 was referred to Dr. Urbanek by my dentist for having sore/worn out jaws. On my very first visit, I learned a lot about jaw joint damage. I never realized how many symptoms I actually had that were because of the damage. After a few weeks of wearing my splint, about 85% of my side effects were gone. No more sore/worn out jaws, no more headaches, and no more shoulder and back pain. I’m so thankful to have been referred to Dr. Urbanek. I love my splint and the results of wearing it!I will definitely be referring Dr. Urbanek and his team to my friends.
- Holly C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have had jaw pain for years- clicking, popping, locking, you name it. I grind and clench my teeth. The device has truly helped my pain. I went from taking ibuprofen every 4 hours to not taking anything at all. Even my neck and shoulder pain has gone away. That’s not to say everything is perfect. There are still some days when I have some popping issues. But for the most part, everything is taken care of.
- Carly G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Urbanek and staff are AWESOME!!! Their care and customer service made me feel completely at ease in an uncomfortable time. Dr. Urbanek was very patient as I explained my problems, understood completely all my symptoms and helped me accordingly. The staff are all very pleasant and sweet, never without a smile and a “feel better” and I feel 1,000 times better! Come and see Dr. Urbanek and staff!!!
- Kara W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had been hurting from unresolved TMJ issues for over a year when I came to see Dr. Urbanek. I had everything from shooting pain in my jaw to migraines to neck and back pain. I mean when he read off the list of symptoms I had just about every single one. I suffered for so long because my primary dentist wouldn’t concede to the fact that I was suffering from something he couldn’t fix without consulting a specialist. When I found Dr. Urbanek on my own and met with him I was so pleased with the help he gave me. He sat down and in a very no nonsense way told me that he didn’t want to know what any other doctor had said but he wanted to know about me and what I was feeling. He fitted me with a jaw splint and, though I didn’t see improvements as quickly as some because of the severity of my issues, I am finally now at a place of comfort. I am so confident that I did the right thing coming to Dr. Urbanek and I wish more people knew this was an option.
- Paige D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As I’m sure 99% of his patients are initially, I was also skeptical that a small splint could relieve so many symptoms. However, after wearing the splint, and feeling first hand how incredible it is is, don’t even attempt to take it from me. I’m a believer and a much happier camper. I came to Dr. Urbanek after reading testimonials on the website. I held Dr Urbanek to a very high standard. I have suffered from jaw pain, ear aches, tinnitus, nausea, migraines, upper back, neck and shoulder pain and stiffness for twenty years or more. I was taking medication for all of these symptoms and in order to “really test” the splint, I stopped taking three medications! Boy did Dr. Urbanek deliver! I came in for jaw pain relief and now I take three medications less than before the Splint and I have less pain than I’ve had in years. Thank you, Dr. Urbanek! Finally, the staff is amazing and that’s just a huge plus to the clientele and a credit to Dr. Urbanek. If you are suffering do this for yourself, come see Dr. Urbanek!
- Connie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came here in Nov. 2017 hurting in my left ear and jaw. Could not find anything to help the pain till I came here. The retainer he made made the pain ease right away. After wearing it 24/7 for a couple months my pain was gone except when I took the device out. With working with him, I have learned to carry it with. E and when I hurt I wear it and the. Take out after pain subsides. Can’t thank him enough for giving me back my life with limited pain.
- Tonya H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience has been amazing! I have suffered from bruxism for over 25 years. I had serious symptoms such as headaches, neck and back pain, and dizziness. All f my symptoms disappeared in weeks! Dr. Urbanek has been patient and very good at explaining details concerning my dental care. If you suffer from TMJ this is the place to come,
- Valerie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After 3 weeks with the splint, my jaw pain and swelling were gone! The ear pain and headaches were a thing of the past.
- Diane T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am a severe teeth clincher and grinder, but with Dr. Urbanek’s device my jaw pain has completely disappeared and I am able to fully open my mouth once again. He explains everything in terms I understand and alters each visit to exactly what I need at that time. I am very pleased!
- Chloe C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I initially believed that I’d have my jaw pain the rest of my life and just endure. Then, my dentist mentioned Dr. Urbanek to me but I still didn’t contact his office. When I my primary care doctor referenced him, I followed through with an appointment, still skeptical he could do anything for my symptoms. I’m was so extremely glad and relieved when he gave me an explanation of my symptoms, not only jaw pain, but my headaches, shoulder, neck pains, tinnitus, etc. It has been 6 weeks, and the only symptom remaining is my tinnitus. Although, I still have my white noise, it has decreased in volume. I’m very blessed to have followed through with making my appointment and being under Dr. Urbanek’s excellent wisdom and care! I no longer will accept pain as a normal way of life as I age. Thank you to Dr. Urbanek, and all his caring and polite team!
- Brenda W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in with moderate to severe jaw and ear pain. Dr. Urbanek is extremely professional, concise, and informative. His device fixed all of my symptoms very quickly (seemingly overnight). I will continue to wear the device and advocate to others Dr. Urbanek’s treatment. I could not be more pleased with the results.
- Jacob K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My jaw has recovered almost completely! I love this amazing simple device!
- Hannah R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am so impressed with Dr Urbanek and his staff. The TMJ Splint has relieved many symptoms, especially the feeling that my jaw was going to lock open which was my main reason for coming to see Dr. Urbanek. I recommend anyone experiencing symptoms of TMJ to make an appointment.
- Margaret K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am so impressed with Dr Urbanek and his staff. The TMJ Splint has relieved many symptoms, especially the feeling that my jaw was going to lock open which was my main reason for coming to see Dr. Urbanek. I recommend anyone experiencing symptoms of TMJ to make an appointment.
- Margaret K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was in so much pain that I couldn’t go to school or any other activities.My headaches got to where they where unbearable. I didn’t believe that the splint would work but now the pain is basically just a memory.
- Eva D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have suffered from migraines for over 8 years and been to more than 6 neurologists who could never tell me why I was having them. They ran tests etc, the migraines kept coming I would have anywhere from 4 to 9 or more a month. I am on several meds and was even getting Botox injections every 3 months and was still averaging around 9 migraines a month. Then I came to Dr. Urbanek and everything changed he told me why I was having migraines and other issues and what would stop them. I jus had to give it a try, what did I have to lose? I got fitted for the Splint and once it arrived within a few days I started to notice improvement in my symptoms it was such a major Blessing!!!! Now I am going on 36 days without a migraine wow it’s been years since I’ve been able to say that!! I am so thankful for Dr. Urbanek and his very nice staffIf you are suffering with migraines ongoing temple pain, the back of your head hurts your shoulders hurt, ears are stuffy and no one can tell you what is wrong with you, you might need to come see Dr. Urbanek, he sure did change my life
- Jennifer P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My jaw pain was so bad I could barely fit a fork in my mouth. My jaw popped and locked almost every time I ate. I had ringing in my ears, headaches, and neck pain. I was always told all of my symptoms were from past trauma to my head and neck. I came to Dr. Urbanek when I couldn’t stand it any more. Within a week of wearing my Splint, I could tell a big difference. I was able to open my mouth wider and chew without any pain. After 5 months, I am symptom free!!!!
- Kailea P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Suffered with neck and shoulder pain for almost 10 years. Saw chiropractors for a while but the pain never went away. 3 weeks with the device and I haven’t had any neck or shoulder pain upon waking. This device really is worth it. Regular nightguards just can’t compare!!
- Julie L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I came here I could barely open my mouth to sing or eat without feeling locking or pain. That pain had been going on for a month and before that, my jaw had popped my whole life. After just a few days of wearing the Splint, I could open my mouth fully without any pain or pop. This thing worked like magic and even is still getting rid of other symptoms I was unaware were from TMJ, like headaches and a fluid ear feeling. I’m so thankful for it and would recommend to anyone experiencing TMJ symptoms!
- Carly S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very quick and painless. Took less than 2 mohnths for my TMJ issues to go away. Would recommend to anyone with TMJ issues.
- Max R