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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Call us: 615-771-1983

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.

Ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Urbanek or Dr. Urbina?

Call our office at TMJ Services Office Phone Number 615-771-1983 or request an appointment online.

TMJ Services

5 out of 5 stars based on 825 TMJ reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I wear the device after that I feel very comfortable my jaw.

- Sunhee Jeong

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I’m so thankful for this dental team. I used to have jaw pain after eating, singing, or yawning, but ever since this treatment those have all gone away. All of my appointments went smoothly and everyone is so nice and welcoming. I would 100% recommend this TMJ specialist group to anyone who is experiencing jaw issues.

- Jasmine C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Finally got relief from jaw pain and headaches on right side. I cannot sleep without my device. If I do, I will be in a great deal of pain! So thankful for Dr. Urbanek and his staff!

- Angie V

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Came to Dr Urbanek due to jaw joint pain. The treatment he provided has made great improvement. The staff is very helpful and professional.

- Kenneth M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I’ve suffered from major migraines for the past 15 years. I’ve tried multiple medications, X-rays, acupuncture, THC, massages, essential oils, Botox, Toradol shots, monthly injections and even hospital infusions NOTHING would work… My dentist told me about TMJ Services of Brentwood and their new mouth guard that was being offered to treat migraines so I decided to try once more for relief. And now I can’t stop telling my fellow migraine sufferers that I’ve finally found relief & I’ve been migraine free since the day I put it in my mouth! Thank you so much for giving me my life back!

- Rhonda H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My experience with TMJ Services of Brentwood was exceptional. My earache has disappeared, headaches gone and grinding is minimal, no jaw pain. It was an easy process and the Urbanek appliance is easy to wear night and day.

- Christina H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

After many doctors visits to treat symptoms separately they never thought or knew that the symptoms would have been related to jaw until I went to a doctor for a locked jaw. This doctor that saw me for my locked jaw told me anxiety medicine would help my and she was wrong. After seeing my regular dentist I was referred here where the journey of healing began. I didn’t know my jaw pain, ear pain, shoulder and neck pain, ringing in the ears, constant ear pain, hand and arm tingling, and the obvious lock jaw was all related to one thing. After just a few months with there treatment my symptoms are down by 85%. I never would have connected all the symptoms but I’m glad they did and I’m great full for the treatment. Your quality of life can return with treatment and it’s so simple

- Jordan S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I can’t emphasize enough how TMJ Services of Brentwood and Dr Urbina have changed my life after dealing with this condition for over 5 years. Immediately after receiving the device it’s noticeable and providing relief. After 3 weeks so much of the symptoms have went away. TMJ didn’t happen overnight and this treatment is helping make my life and jaw a lot better. I cannot wait to see where I’m at In 9 months. Amazing staff and can’t express the amount of gratitude towards the doctors.

- Michael B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I experienced years of jaw and teeth pain. The pain would often result in constant headaches. I had tried a different type of night appliance years ago but this application failed to resolve the pain and daily Discomfort I was experiencing Dr Urbina’s appliance has changed my daily jaw comfort level drastically. I now experience no jaw or tooth pain after only 3 weeks. The appliance is very easy to wear. Thank you Dr Urbina.

- Karma D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

When I first came to the office, the pain I had been experiencing was indescribable. I had not slept I’m days, several trips to the ER and nothing helped. My jaw would lock and I literally had to pop it closed many times. It was painful to eat. Now finding a place that understood and really cared about helping me to get better even today bring tears to my heart becauseI am 90% better! To top it off the entire staff is nothing short of AMAZING!!! This office deserves the Office that cares AWARD OF THE YEAR!!! Thank you all. I am so GRATEFUL..

- Denise K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have been experiencing issues with my TMJ for years. I came to Dr. Urbanek struggling with head aches, ear aches, and the inability to fully close my jaw. During our initial appointment, I felt heard and I left well informed. The device had an immediate impact on my pain. After 9 weeks, I feel confident that I made the right decision to continue to improve the pain I struggle with, knowing that it’s preventing further damage and helping to relieve symptoms that inevitably will persist.

- Lauren M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I’ve had TMJ pain off and on for around 20 years. The device helped me reduce my jaw pain and tightness in less than 3 months.

- Michael J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Before receiving treatment with TMJ Services of Brentwood, I was experiencing constant and extreme pain on the entire right side of my face, neck, and head. The condition was almost to the point of interfering with my daily functions. After seeking various avenues of relief and diagnoses, I was referred to TMJoB. Dr. Urbina immediately recognized my condition and throughly explained the causes, related symptoms, and possible treatment plans available. Opting to use the device and following the prescribed treatment (wear) plan was easily one of the best and most life changing decisions I have made with regards to my health. Within the first 4 weeks of wearing the device there was a SIGNIFICANT decrease in the amount of pain and discomfort I experienced from the affected area. Conversely, there was a noticeable increase in my overall well-being and attitude as a result of no longer living in fear of the pain and having to approach everything with such caution. To many this may sound extreme, and maybe it is, but in my case the pain and discomfort I experienced prior to treatment was also extreme. I am grateful to have been referred to TMJoB and will whole heartedly refer others who could benefit from their services.

- Andrea B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

When I first came in I was experiencing severe pain in my jaw, trouble speaking, and trouble eating. Within three weeks of using the device, my acute symptoms dissipated completely. I am looking forward to continuing this journey to a fully recovered jaw!

- Nathan H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

During the past year these have been two times that my jaw has “locked up”. I was unable to open my mouth wide enough to bite food. I had to eat soft and liquid foods. Other problems that I experienced which were probably related to this problem were: pain in my jaw, ear pain, muscle spasms in my neck and shoulder. I was using warm compress to help relieve the pain. A friend of mine, once had some of the same problems. She referred me to Dr. Urbanek. At first I used the custom mouth piece 24/7 for two months. I am now using it only at night. Now my teeth line up, I can open my mouth wide enough to bite a sandwich an I am pain free.

- Rosemary S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

After a reasonable amount of time, my TMJ symptoms have greatly diminished. Dr. Urbina is very thorough and explains the the process in an understandable way. All questions are welcomed and answered.

- Patricia T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

When I first came to TMJ services three weeks ago my jaw was in a tremendous amount of pain. I could barely open or shut my mouth, I felt like I had a severe ear infection, throbbing headache on my left side and I was even afraid to eat because of the pain. As someone with a high tolerance for pain I could not deal. I did some research on TMJ services and gave them a visit. They told me every symptom and they were spot on without me saying too much. I got the device and I kid you not, by my the end of my first week my pain was down by 50%. By my 3rd week I can proudly say I have zero pain. I’m speaking normally, eating normally & back to my normal happy self. I can not thank you guys enough. Seriously! You guys gave me my life back! You rock!

- Darren L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Urbanek helped me find the solution to my jaw pain and clicking for years! After a ton of mouth guards I found a solution that works for me.

- K B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Had really bad jaw pain and headaches. I came in to see Dr. Urbanek and received a device to wear over my teeth to correct the problem, I wore it per his instructions and within 4 months I do not have any of my systems . I am really thankful for the care that I received under Dr. Urbanek I recommend him for anyone going through jaw pain. He can fix

- Carol F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

When I first came in I was experiencing severe headaches, tension in jaws, neck and shoulders. I had begun to believe that was just how I was supposed to feel. It was recommended at my first visit that I would be a good candidate for this type of therapy. After 2 weeks of consistent day and night therapy my symptoms have been drastically reduced. In just 2 weeks I have already been reduced to just night therapy. I feel better than I have in a long time and have been grateful to have found this therapy option. I am scheduled to come back in 6 weeks for continued therapy.

- Kylie B

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