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’m so grateful for the doctors helping me with my TMJ problems
- JESHUA J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Over the past 5 years I’ve used the TMJ splint which has relieved all of my jaw joint pain, stiffness in my jaw, and headaches. I love that the device is non invasive and easy to use. I also appreciate that research continues to be done as the splint has evolved over the years so the device can be more adaptable for the patient’s needs.
- Gloria M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After 5 weeks of severe left ear ache pain and 2 doctors I finally got to the bottom of my pain . My dentist referred me to Dr Urbanek and it has been awesome no headache earache no ringing in my ears. This device has 100 percent help me . Thank you
- Dana L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If someone had told me that I would have gone from intense debilitating pain to absolutely no pain whatsoever in a 3 week period, then I would have been understandably skeptical. However, I have experienced exactly this to my delighted surprise. Having received excellent instruction on the mechanics of the device there is no claim of magic or miracle. Instead, I am pain free because the precise device for my precise condition has been engineered. I am incredibly grateful!
- David S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was in pain when I came in and Dr. Urbanek helped me to get rid of the pain in the my jaw. He is very nice and professional.
- Patricia B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After dealing with multiple symptoms (headaches, jaw pain, tension in my neck and shoulders, etc.) for over twenty years, Dr. Urbanek has finally relieved 90% of my symptoms without surgery! I highly recommend anyone with symptoms like mine to go see Dr. Urbanek and his friendly staff!
- Sarah W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Before I was referred to Dr. Urbina the jaw pain I was feeling was really negatively affecting my life. It hurt so much all the time and even affected my ability to sleep, and I didn’t understand why it was happening. When I was seen by Dr. Urbina he explained all my symptoms, what was happening and why very clearly. He took a lot of time to listen to how I felt and explained all the ways TMJ/TMD can affect your whole body, not just your jaw. When I was fitted for the device I was very impressed with the whole process. After wearing it for just 3 weeks I feel such a difference, it really is amazing. I would say about 90% of my pain is gone already and I am so relieved. I will continue to wear the device and am very thankful to Dr. Urbina and all the staff for everything.
- Lesley K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was another process I decided to try due to so much pain from the jaws to the headaches and inti my shoulders. I really didn’t think this would really work but thought I would give it a try. The first day of wearing the device was a little uncomfortable but by the time bedtime rolled around my headache was gone. 3 weeks later I am completely pain free and know this has been the best decision I made and so thankful for Dr. Urbanek.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was having headaches and jaw pain/soreness every day, and my dentist referred me to this office. The treatment has made a significant difference in improving my symptoms. The splint device took a little time to get used to, but it quickly became comfortable, and now I don’t ever want to sleep without it.
- Michaela G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have had headaches and facial pain most of my life. My dentist asked me to see Dr Urbanek for the jaw catching and hurting. He knew exactly what the problem and solution was and is. He is correct in his assessment and solution. I am very pleased with the result. The popping from my jaw is rare and pain is gone.
- Wanda E P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would recommend Dr Urbanek to anyone that is having a lot of pain in their jaws He has helped me to not grind my teeth at night. I have worn my mouthpiece with no problems or discomfort
- Irene S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have been so pleased with my care and overall results with mouth piece. My symptoms included head and temple pain also jaw and even my shoulders were having pain. These have all stopped and I belief I will continue to improve.
- Sheila W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Using the Splint has helped me very much I am not having head ache and I am sleeping better at night.
- Malicia C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had over 6 years of headaches, jaw pain, and tenderness from constant clenching during my sleep and everyday activities. After several cracked teeth and countless visits to dentists, endodontists, and orthodontists, I was recommended to see Dr. Urbanek. I didn’t have much hope that things could improve for me, simply because I couldn’t believe that all my pain and discomfort was simply clenching my jaw. After months of wearing my device and being seen by Dr. Urbanek and his wonderful team, I am now pain free and do not have the symptoms I’ve had for years. I’m very grateful and could not recommend this service more. It truly changes your life!
- Hope B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
10 years ago I met Dr. Urbanek and could not open my mouth but just hair. I had the surgery recovered and here I am 10 years later with the same issues on the opposite side. Headaches, jaw pain, ear pain, dizzy, tingles through the arm and even numbness in the fingers. Came in the office and left feeling super hopeful! I have been wearing my device for 3 weeks now and it has been a night and day difference! The fact that I do not have to have another surgery if even better! This device has been a life saver along with Dr. Urbanek and his wonderful staff.
- Kayla M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After so many issues involving mouth pain, body aches, headaches, teeth pain, the list goes on.. I decided to ask my dentist about what I should do, which he then referred me to Dr. Anthony Urbanek. To begin with, I was very skeptical but curious of Dr. Urbanek’s TMJ splint device. I was unaware that I even had TMJ. But after Dr Urbanek explained all of the symptoms, I knew it was important to dissolve them and get rid of the pain caused from TMJ. It has now been 4 months with the TMJ device and 90+ percent of my symptoms have dissolved. I don’t wake up with throbbing and inflamed jaw pain. I don’t have headaches, or body pain. I am beyond amazed, and thrilled and can now share my success story with people who may be having the same issues that I’ve had from the start of my teen years. I can’t imagine not having this splint. Thank you to the office of and to Dr. Anthony Urbanek. You have improved my overall health for an affordable cost with easy financing options. I am forever grateful.
- David H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Urbina and his TMJ device saved my life. For 7 months I had terrible ear pain and headaches. It was constant and was making me depressed. I went to 2 ENT doctors and multiple family practice doctors. No one could diagnose me. They kept giving me antibiotics for sinus and ear infections that I did not really have. Eventually my dentist suggested I might have TMJ. He referred me to Dr Urbina. The day before my appointment I read over Dr Urbina’s testimonials. I finally had some hope. All those stories sounded just like mine. I had my device about 2 weeks later. I knew I would be one of those success stories one day and here I am! It took about 6 months and my pain is 95% gone! I can live a normal life again! I am so grateful to Dr Urbina and his team!
- Jenna S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wow! What can I say except my TMJ device has lowered my daily pain levels to a point that I sleep great now. I have movement in my neck and shoulders that I haven’t had in years. Headaches are gone! I wouldn’t take a nap or go to sleep for the night without it.️it!
- Itasca L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I started having migraines consistently after having my daughter in 2019. The intensity of the migraines led to neck and lower back pain. 2 months ago I started having severe jaw pain. I could not bare touching it without crying. My dentist tried giving me a normal “night guard” that made it worse and finally referred me to Dr Urbanek. The next day, they got me in and less than 2 weeks late my customized mouth piece came in. Less than 3 weeks after using my piece consistently, l have no more neck pain, back pain, earaches, jaw pain, and my migraines have decreased significantly. I never thought I would finally figure out what was causing all my issues. Being 21 years of age, I’m glad my I finally have my life back.
- Markayla S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience with headaches, earaches, shoulder pain has been greatly diminished by my treatment with Dr Urbanek’s device. I was very skeptical at first but now I have to say the treatment is a success. The treatment was a little longer than anticipated but I am very glad we kept with it. Dr Urbanek has been so kind and patient.
- Rhonda J