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
Before I met Dr. Urbanek, I had periodic headaches and sharp jaw pain along with limited range of motion. My jaw hurt every time I ate something. I was finally given a TMJ Splint and that made so much of a difference. I can eat food with no jaw pain and there are no more headaches. Dr. Urbanek, you are the man.
- Julius W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have suffered with migraines, vertigo, and jaw pain for years. I went to several doctors. They treated my symptoms, but nothing worked long term. Finally my PCP told me aboutDr. Urbanek. I finally am getting relief. If you are suffering from the same symptoms give Dr. Urbanek a try. You won’t regret it.
- Kathy E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have suffered with migraines, vertigo, and jaw pain for years. I went to several doctors. They treated my symptoms, but nothing worked long term. Finally my PCP told me aboutDr. Urbanek. I finally am getting relief. If you are suffering from the same symptoms give Dr. Urbanek a try. You won’t regret it.
- Kathy E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I found out 7 years ago that I had been grinding my teeth at a regular dentist appointment. I was prescribed a mouth guard and told that I had a TMJ problem. At this point, I wore my mouth guard to protect my teeth and moved on. Over the years, I noticed my jaw becoming more sore and my bite changing. I changed dentists because my current dentist had no more treatment for me.He only recommended the mouth guard. I switched and my dentist referred me to Dr. Urbanek. At my first appointment, Dr. Urbanek named the symptoms of TMJ and I had most of them. I had daily headaches and shoulder/neck tightness with pain.my headaches started 15 years ago. The morning after I wore my TMJ Splint, my shoulder/neck symptoms were gone and I have not had a headache since wearing the TMJ Splint!
- Katie V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I experience facial pain all my late teen and adult life. I have been to many doctors without results and put on many medications. I was referred to Dr Urbanek by another MD and was skeptical. What a difference. This device has given back my sanity and I recommend anyone suffering from TMJ to believe this process.
- Eve S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I began the have jaw pain after weeks, I almost couldn’t and the pain was constant in my jaw. It took several months to slowly become pain free. During this time Dr. Urbanek’s office saw me routinely, documenting my return to normal. I am so appreciative of their fine care!
- Judy S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve been suffering from TMJ pain since I was a child — easily for 25 years. I’ve seen dentists, GPS, and orthodontists to try to fix it, but nothing ever made much of a difference. After I broke a tooth from nighttime clenching, my doctor recommended Dr. Urbanek, so I made an appointment and then almost cancelled it; I had very little confidence that this would be any different. I’m so glad I didn’t cancel! I’ve been wearing Dr. Urbanek’s appliance for 3 weeks and it’s a game changer. My jaw doesn’t hurt, my fingers don’t tingle, and I’m sleeping so much better. The differnence is huge and we just got started. Everyone in the office is so nice, and the treatment works. I high,y recommend it!
- Erin L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in to see Dr. Urbanek after 10+ years of headaches, ear fullness and ringing, and more recently jaw popping and locking. He fitted me for a device and within 3 weeks of receiving it my symptoms were 98% gone. I’m so thankful and wish I would have found him sooner. If you are having any of the above symptoms I would definitely recommend a trip to Dr. Urbanek’s office. His staff has been very friendly and helpful as well.
- Natalie A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I dealt with TMJ related issues for over 5 years that included ringing in ears, dizziness, severe tension headaches, neck/shoulder pain, and pain radiating pain down my arm. By the time I came for my appointment it was to the point where I was only eating soft foods. Who would’ve thought that a small device like a splint would be the solution to all the pain and discomfort I was experiencing . Although I agreed to the splint was not confident that it would work. Now after only two months I’m off my soft foods diet, I have my smile back, and the tension headaches are almost completely gone. I’m 85% better than I was at my initial appointment and I feel like I’m quickly getting my life back thanks to Dr. Urbanek and this device. Just a note of advice for anyone who decides to go this route when the doctor instructs you to place the splint in the case whenever it’s not in your mouth please do so! I actually stepped on mine but thankfully he was able to make it functional. This device was worth every penny.
- Neitra S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had TMJ with jaw pain, headaches, shoulder pain, and dizziness. I am so greatful for all the help I received and I am now pain free.
- Sarah A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in with severe jaw pain and difficulty opening my mouth wide. I would also have ear pain. After wearing the splint as directed I feel so much better. When I open my mouth wide I feel no discomfort. Thank you Dr. Urbanek.
- Carol W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After finally being diagnosed with TMJ by Dr. Urbanek, he recommended the mouth piece. It was amazing how my symptoms started decreasing. I did have jaw surgery, which was a big success. I am now 100% free of all my original symptoms. Dr. Urbanek and his staff have been wonderful! BL
- Buffi L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had no hope, after being left with no options from three other oral surgeons; Dr. Urbanek listened to my symptoms and concerns. He assured me, I was not alone and that there was hope for me. Dr. Urbanek’s TMJ Splint gave me my life back; I can talk, chew, and sleep with little to no pain, locking, popping, or clicking in my jaw. Dr. Urbanek and his whole staff are wonderful, I’ve never had a better experience at any other dental or oral surgery practice.
- Sam K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had experienced a great deal of pain from TMJ and grinding my teeth at night as have most of my family. Since I have been being treated with Dr. Urbanek’s Splint I have stopped grinding my teeth and the pain has gone away. I thank God for the talented staff at TMJ . I also have other issues with ear that have subsided to a bad memory.
- Ronald A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I suffered for over 20 years with migraines, jaw pain, numbness in my arm, neck pain, and ringing ears. I have seen multiple doctors over the years with multiple testing. I never got relief. When I woke up one morning, my jaw was hurting so bad I couldn’t open it. That’s what led me to Dr Urbanek and the diagnosis of TMJ disorder. I had a mouth splint made specifically for me, and the rest is history! My migraines are pretty much non existent. No neck pain. No arm numbness. No ringing ears. And my jaw feels fabulous!! Thank you, Dr Urbanek for helping me gain the quality of life I have now! No more missed time with my husband and children because of nasty migraines.
- Kristen O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve had problems with my TMJ for a very long time. I had TMJ surgery many, many years ago, which helped a great deal, but didn’t wear the mouth guard the way I was supposed to, so it got steadily worse. I grit my teeth, don’t grind them. I came back to Dr. Urbanek. My surgery site still looked good. Dr Urbaneck recommended a new mouth guard. It has helped a great deal.
- Gayle F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I hesitated with calling Dr. Urbanek because I knew the “device” was not covered by insurance. After months of dealing with all of my symptoms, the worst being the constant ear pain and feeling as if I had been stuck under water, insurance coverage or not, I had to try it. Based on other testimonials, I was optimistic that I would have good results. 4 weeks in and the majority of symptoms have significantly diminished; most importantly the ear pain. I am very happy with my results thus far, I just now wish that I had not waited so long to make the call.
- Kristen M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Finally on the road to recovery thanks to Dr. Urbaneck!
- Casandra W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had been told in the past that there was no solution for my TMJ pain and that I would have to live with it forever. Thanks to Dr. Urbanek, I am now pain free and completely happy! Total life changer!
- Jessie O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
For years I have been so embarrassed by my jaw popping loudly when I eat. It was annoying and concerning. My dentists recommended I see Dr. Urbanek. The more he taught me about my TMJ, the more I realized how much it was affecting my life. It was the root of all evil, haha. It has been the cause of my headaches, body numbness, nausea, dizziness, and everything in between. I’m very stubborn, so once I received my device I didn’t always wear it. It took some getting used to. Even though I didn’t wear it 24/7, I could still see a difference. I am not encouraging you to be stubborn like me. My point is that it was easy for me to feel better. I was scared of letting my TMJ go on untreated. I was afraid it would turn into my jaw locking up. I’m thankful I no longer have to worry about any of that. Thank you Dr. Urbanek.
- Jordan T