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
I feel that the splint has helped me with pain that I have been struggling with for years. I’m currently 20 years old and starting struggling with TMJ when I was around 15 or 16 years old. I definitely kept putting it off trying to get help with my symptoms but then it got to a point where it was unbearably painful and sleeping peacefully at night seemed impossible because of the pain. I really do recommend anyone struggling with any TMJ symptoms to definitely come see Dr. Urbanek.
- Jacqueline A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience, amazing results so far in the three weeks!
- Jonie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I’ve had TMJ for over a decade. My symptoms had started to become almost unbearable. Not only did I have jaw pain all the time, but ear pain, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Dr. Urbanek’s Splint has finally put years of discomfort to rest. If you are suffering from the pain of TMJ, I highly recommend you speak with Dr. Urbanek about the splint as an option for you!
- Erica L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came in after dealing with ear fullness and ringing and being told it was other things but nothing really worked. I discovered some other problems were related to the TMJ issues and those have all gone away.
- Sarah P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Simple solution for a long-term problem. Thankful for Dr. Urbanek’s approach.
- Taylor W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
For 30 years I suffered from various pain in my my back, neck, and jaw. I got to the point I was holding my jaw when I ate and could not sleep from the pain in the ear. I had immediate relief from the device, the first day I put it in I was pretty much pain free.
- Pamela I
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have had jaw pain, locking, and headaches for three years. I tried multiple solutions from pain killers to dental work. This has helped relieve almost all the pain and problems in under three weeks.
- Addie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It started when I was in a lot of pain. So I visited the dentist and told him that I was in a lot of pain mostly on the right side of my jaw. So he made me wear a splint in my mouth ,day and night for a short amount of time. Then once I did that I wore it just at night. Then once I did that, he told me to not wear it at all and that did it. The pain was gone and I was happy again!
- Ryan E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience has been great! Dr. Urbanek is very knowledgeable and answers all questions you may have. After wearing my Splint I began to quickly gain relief.
- Natasha D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After many years of grinding and clinching my teeth which developed into jaw pain, vertigo and neck pain. I had been sent to a eye ears and nose specialist for the vertigo. I went through physical therapy,which symptoms got better but didn’t go away. The nurse told me of her experience with TMJ and thought I needed to look into a TMJ specialist.. so glad I did. Most of my symptoms are gone. I would advise anyone with these symptoms to seek Dr. Urbanek help.
- Melissa D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My story started in 1963 when I was in a severe car accident, which left me with whip lash and a broken chin which caused me to have migraines. As time went on I began to have other symptoms, tingling in the arms and fingers, ear, shoulder and neck pain. I went to a Dentist for help and he recommended some dental work which did not help. I them went to a MD and then a ENT who said I was imagining things. One Saturday I noticed an knot behind my ear and went to another ENT and she recommended me to see Dr. Urbanek. Dr. Urbanek recommended his device and I began treatment: I have been wearing the device for 2 months now and my symptoms have improved drastically.
- Patricia F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After many years of migraines in college and clenching/grinding my teeth at night I began having ear pain. I tried oral steroids, botox and a grinding retainer every night too. Finally my ENT doctor suggested Dr Urbanek and his device. I had improvement within in 10 days of wearing the device. I quickly learned how to talk with it in my mouth too. Within 2 weeks I was pain free. By 8 weeks I was 95% better ,no more pain, the fullness in my ears subsided and my jaw stopped locking open. The quality of life returned that I missed. I highly recommend this device for any person suffering from TMJ.
- Brandy B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am a migraine sufferer for over 20 years with no relief along with TMJ issues. Dr Urbanek’s mouthpiece device has relieved my pain by 80% in the first three weeks of wearing the device. I highly recommend Dr. Urbanek to anyone suffering with headaches, neck pain, jaw locking, teeth clinching or grinding.
- Jan C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am so happy that the pain in my neck is gone and also my sleeping has improved 100% since I started wearing the device.
- Ruth R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The pain is gone! After three weeks! No more earaches and jaw pain.What a great feeling! Thanks Dr Urbanek.
- Virginia S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The headaches and soreness were gone within 2-3 weeks! The ringing in the ears has not stopped yet but I will NEVER stop wearing my “little miracle” mouthpiece. I will always be grateful to Dr. Urbanic!
- Denise H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I came in I had severe jaw and ear pain. This had been going on for 10 plus years. With the splint I can honestly say I am 98% better. After only 2 months, sleeping is so much better! I do not have the pain like before! If you have ever experienced this pain you definitely need to give them a call! Thank you so much to Dr. Urbanek and his staff!
- Kaila D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have struggled with jaw pain and popping for as long as I can remember. I have also had recurring headaches and ringing in my ears. I was referred to Dr. Urbanek by my dentist, and he was very knowledgeable in my symptoms and helpful in explaining the device to me. I have been wearing the device for about two months now, and am experiencing little-to-no pain anymore. I am very thankful for the relief!
- Cara E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have suffered with chronic migraines and assorted other symptoms from jaw pain and other things I didn’t associate with TMJ for over 30 years. After only 3 weeks of treatment I have experienced around a 95% decrease in my symptoms and am much happier. Looking forward to an even further diminishment of pain and symptoms.
- Laura K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If anyone is having TMJ issues I highly recommend Dr. Anthony Urbanek. He took care of my problems, he is the best. You will certainly be glad you gave him a call.
- Linda W