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 have been thrilled with my results. My jaw no longer pops as I speak and just yesterday I ate a hamburger without having to dissect it, something I have not been able to accomplish in years. On a 1 to 10 scale I am approaching an 8 toward my goal.
- John P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was extremely skeptical when I 1st started wearing my device but was willing to do anything to stop my pain. I have had it for 4 weeks now and my symptoms are completely gone. It does take some getting used to but highly suggest it to anyone. Overall a great experience from the 1st time I walked in the door.
- Jamie P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was referred to Dr. Urbanek for suffering from TMJ resulting severe joint and nerve pain. A neurologist identified the issue and said I would need to be on medication going forward to relieve the constant pain. I was referred to Dr. Urbanek. The treatment has relieved all of the nerve pain. The device is easy to wear. The result is amazing.
- Lori D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have had a wonderful experience. My neck spasms have greatly improved in a very short time. Highly recommended
- Brenda L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone’s welcoming here and so helpful lovely environment, so he,Paul w the device it has helped so much !
- Jaira H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The treatment Dr. Urbanek prescribed changed my life. I was in constant pain from bad headaches to neck and shoulder pains. Two weeks after my treatment started my symptoms started decreasing everyday. I recommend anyone who has been grinding their teeth to try this treatment.
- LaShawnC
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The appliance relieved my symptoms more effectively than any other treatment, and I’ve had years of orthodontia and both upper and lower jaw surgeries. The physician is personable and takes the time to address individual questions and concerns thoroughly. The office staff are all delightful to work with. The only negative aspect I experienced was the long commute from my rural home and navigating metropolitan traffic, for which the clinic bears zero responsibility!
- Carolyn M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was having headaches, jaw pain, and stopped up ears before I came here. I also experienced popping or clicking of my jaw when I was chewing. After getting my splint, those symptoms have gone away. It has helped me a lot and I only notice my jaw popping and occasional soreness. I hope that my symptoms will continue to lessen the longer I wear it!
- Brooke H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Before having the TMJ device I suffered from chronic, severe facial pain, neck pain, and migraines/headaches. Before the device I sought imaging, PT, and other remedies with little to no major relief. While the device has not completely eliminated all symptoms, they have reduced in severity and frequency to the point where I am not missing work or life events. Combined with PT and diet the TMJ device can have great results in alleviating symptoms like mine.
- Ryan T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I first came here, I wasn’t sure anything was going to help with the jaw and ear pain. After 2 weeks of wearing the device I could already notice a difference. Within 3 months I could believe it was possible to open my mouth without feeling pain. It’s now been 6 months and the ear pain and jaw pain are almost completely gone! Thank you so much Dr. Urbanek and his staff for helping me!
- Tina B
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