Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the side of the head, enabling a person to talk, chew, and yawn. With TMJ dysfunction, problems with the joint and muscles around it may cause: 

  • pain that travels through the face, neck or jaw
  • stiff jaw muscles 
  • limited movement or locking of the jaw
  • painful clicking or popping of the jaw
  • a change in the way the upper and lower teeth click together


The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the side of your head. When it works well, it enables you to talk, chew, and yawn. For people with TMJ dysfunction, problems with the joint and muscles around it may cause

  • Pain that travels through the face, jaw, or neck
  • Stiff jaw muscles
  • Limited movement or locking of the jaw
  • Painful clicking or popping in the jaw
  • A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

Programs + Services


Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The Dentistry Department at Tufts MC in Boston provides dental care spanning oral and maxillofacial surgery, adult restorative dentistry and much more.
More information about programs and services

Doctors + Care Team

Maria Papageorge, DMD, MS

Maria Papageorge, DMD, MS

Accepting New Patients

Title(s): Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Dentist-in-Chief; Professor and Chairperson, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Associate Dean for Hospital Affairs, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Department(s): Dentistry Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Appt. Phone: 617-636-6515
Fax #: 617-636-6809

Treatment of facial and jaw injuries, surgical removal of impacted teeth, treatment of facial infections, implantology and reconstruction of bony defects, correction of facial skeletal deformities, oral cancer

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picture of William Gilmore, MD

William Gilmore, MD

Accepting New Patients

Title(s): Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon; Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Department(s): Dentistry
Appt. Phone: 617-232-6515
Fax #: 617-232-6809

Treatment of facial and jaw injuries, surgical removal of impacted teeth, treatment of facial infections, implantology and reconstruction of bony defects, correction of facial skeletal deformities, oral cancer

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Constantinos Laskarides, PharmD, DDS, DMD, FACS

Constantinos Laskarides, PharmD, DDS, DMD, FACS

Accepting New Patients

Title(s): Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon; Director of Advanced Education Training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Department(s): Dentistry
Appt. Phone: 617-636-6515
Fax #: 617-636-6809

Treatment of facial and jaw injuries, surgical removal of impacted teeth, treatment of facial infections, implantology and reconstruction of bony defects, corrections of facial skeletal deformities, oral cancer, cosmetic surgery, cleft lip and palate

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Daniel Oreadi, DMD

Daniel Oreadi, DMD

Accepting New Patients

Title(s): Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon; Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Department(s): Dentistry
Appt. Phone: 617-636-6515
Fax #:

Treatment of benign and malignant tumors of the oral cavity, oral cancer, salivary gland tumors, temporomandibular joint surgery, reconstructive surgery of the face and jaws, head and neck trauma, nerve repair, treatment of facial infections, management of head and neck cancer treatment-related complications

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