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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. TMJ Disorders

Condition: TMJ Disorders

Also called: TMD; Temporomandibular Disorder

TMJ is shorthand for the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. The full name is the temporomandibular (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lar) joint and there is one on each side of your skull.

TMJ disorders stem from a variety of behaviors and causes. Oftentimes, finding the cause is less important than providing relief.

TMJ disorders can cause severe pain, difficulty chewing and eating or locking of your jaw.

Symptoms

You might need to talk with your doctor about TMJ disorders if you are dealing with:

  • Aching facial pain, especially pain coming from the back of your jaw
  • Aching pain around your ear and jaw
  • Locking of your jaw or difficulty opening your mouth
  • Pain or difficulty chewing
  • Pain or tenderness in your jaw
  • Pain in one or both of your TM joints
  • Popping sounds or clicking in your jaw

Causes

There are a number of causes for TMJ issues, but you may not be able to point out one exact cause for your issues. This joint is made up of the jaw bone, the skull and a small disk of cartilage that keeps things working without grinding.

Some common causes of TMJ disorders are:

  • The disk between the jaw bone and the skull moves out of alignment.
  • The joint’s cartilage is damaged due to arthritis.
  • The joint is damaged by impact or inury.

Risks

You may be at risk for TMJ disorders if you suffer from one of the following:

  • Arthritis, more commonly rheumatoid or osteoarthrits
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Jaw injury
  • Teeth grinding or clenching

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to TMJ Disorders

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Physical Therapy

Providers Treating TMJ Disorders

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to TMJ Disorders. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Dana R. Bodenner, D.D.S.

Dana R. Bodenner, D.D.S. Dentist

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Sarah E. Hardin, D.D.S.

Sarah E. Hardin, D.D.S. Dentist

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Ashley J. McMillan, D.D.S.

Ashley J. McMillan, D.D.S. General Practice Dentist

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Jennifer P. Ryker, RDH

Jennifer P. Ryker, RDH Dental Hygienist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat TMJ Disorders

Note that the treatment of TMJ Disorders may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


Freeway Medical Tower

Dental Hygiene Student Clinic

5800 W. 10th St.
Freeway Medical Tower
Suite 501
Little Rock, AR 72204

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-5733
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Medical Center exterior

UAMS Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Oral Health Clinic

4301 W. Markham St.
Shorey Building
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-526-7619
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for TMJ Disorders

Image of a doctor dentist showing patient's teeth on X-ray.

Dental Care

Oral health is often an indicator of a person's overall health. That's why UAMS Health provides dental care to our community through our Oral Health Clinic.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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