Every movement. Every breath. Every bite!

Advancing the science of TMJ Disease and Airway Medicine through Research, Education, Innovation, and Patient care.

Dr. Scotty Bolding on TMJ Health

Every movement has a purpose.

Every symptom has a cause.

Every solution begins with understanding structure.

Every movement, every breath, and every bite depends on how we're built. At TMJ Health, we believe lasting solutions begin with understanding structure—not simply treating symptoms.

We believe that understanding the relationship between structure and function is the foundation for advancing patient care, scientific discovery, and the future of TMJ disease and airway medicine.

Our Purpose

TMJ Health exists to advance the understanding of TMJ disease and airway health by serving as the world's most trusted source of knowledge for patients, clinicians, educators, and researchers. Through research, education, innovation, and collaboration, we strive to improve care today while shaping the future of the field.

Who We Unite

Advancing the understanding of TMJ disease and airway health requires more than knowledge—it requires a community. TMJ Health brings together the people whose shared experiences, expertise, research, and compassion advance patient care and shape the future of the field.

Together, We Unite

Patients seeking answers.

Families seeking hope.

Clinicians seeking knowledge.

Educators shaping the future.

Researchers advancing discovery.

Students and Fellows developing tomorrow's leaders.

Healthcare Institutions and Professional Organizations

committed to improving patient care.

Our Founder

TMJHealth.com represents the life’s work of Dr. Scotty Bolding and his mentors and colleagues that culminated in the foundation for a permanent network of excellence. This platform is built for patients seeking answers, professionals seeking mastery, and the future of structural TMJ and airway medicine.

Learn More

Dr. Scotty Bolding, Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Society of TMJ Surgeons, and an internationally recognized leader in the area of TMJ and Airway Disorders. He has dedicated his career to reframing the TMJ as an orthopedic joint like other joints in the body rather than a dental or psychological issue. Through this collaborative platform he is providing a resource and network of TMJ Healthcare providers and patients to help the world not only have a better understanding of TMJ and Airway Disorders, but also help patients get better care and improve outcomes for everyone.

Stories From Our Patients

"Dr Bolding Saved My Life!"

“I truly believe that Dr. Bolding and his great team have prolonged my life! I had severe sleep apnea and had failed cpap as well as oral jaw advancement appliances. Dr. Bolding surgically moved my upper and lower jaws and corrected my deviated septum, which opened my airway. I can breathe again!!
Everything was explained to me in detail before the surgery.
Everyone at the front desk was always warm and friendly to me. His surgical staff was not only very professional, but also comforting.

Tim Lane DDS

"Exceptional care and attention to detail."

“Dr. Bolding and his staff are AWESOME! I had TMJ pain for years and saw countless Doctors and TMJ Specialist to just continue in pain. Dr. Bolding listened to me and performed surgery. I had adhesions that had grown to the tendons of my jaw . For years, I wore appliances, braces, just to continue to suffer. Immediately after surgery, the pain was gone. I feel like a normal person now. Dr. Bolding is compassionate brilliant Doctor. If you have TMJ or facial pain, he is the only Doctor to see. I thank God for Dr. Bolding.”

Marryanne M

"My Husband and I are so thankful for Dr. Bolding"

“My husband and I have BOTH had fantastic experiences with Dr. Bolding. Our story is a bit unique considering we have both had issues with our jaws, but Dr. Bolding and his team took great care of us and solved all of our problems. Before getting a consult with Dr. Bolding, I was told I would need to travel out of state to get the jaw joint replacement surgery that I was needing…thank to the PRECiDENT center I was well taken care of right here in NWA."

❤️Mary Carol T

Frequently Asked Questions

What options are available to treat my TMJ Problems?

A proper diagnosis is the most important thing for you to find out in order to get the right treatment. Many conditions, just like with the knee or ankle can be treated relatively conservatively if caught early. Treatments may consist of non-surgical options such as an orthotic, anti-inflammatory therapy, exercises, heat and ice, soft diet, and or more advanced surgical options may be indicated if there is true structural damages to the bones and or ligaments of the joint.

I have worn a splint for years, and initially it helped, but my symptoms appear to be getting worse, what does this mean?

If your symptoms are getting worse then it could mean that you have a muscle imbalance and you may simply need your splint adjusted. However, it could indicate that there is further anatomical breakdown in your joint. It is imperative that you see a TMJ Healthcare provider to assure that a proper diagnosis is identified. Structural damages can occur over time just like with the knee. Proper imaging which would include a CT Scan and MRI may be indicated.

Yes, our professional whitening treatments are safe and supervised by experienced dental professionals to ensure optimal results without harming your teeth.

I noticed that I cannot open my mouth like I use to. What can cause this?

Limited mouth opening is a sign that there is most likely an anatomical change within your joint. It is important to see your TMJ Healthcare provider to obtain a MRI and CT scan to determine the underlying pathology. It could be as simple as "Trismus" which is a tightening of the muscles, like a muscle cramp that is preventing you from opening. However, it could be an indication that there is a structural imbalance within the TMJ joint itself such as a displaced disc, torn ligament, bone fusion (ankylosis, and or possible tumor.

We recommend visiting every 6 months for a routine check-up and cleaning, or more frequently if advised by your dentist.

My Healthcare provider and many of my friends and family have said never to have surgery done on my TMJ.

When it comes to TMJ Disease, many of the conditions if caught early can be treated non-surgically, just like with the knee or hip. However, if there are structural changes and or structural damages to the underlying bones, ligaments, or cartilages, then surgery may need to be considered just like with the knee. We must remember that the TMJ is a synovial joint, just like other joints of the body. If it is determined that there is structural damage to your joint based on clinical exam, and imaging with a CT Scan and MRI, then surgical treatment may be indicated. There are numerous studies now showing that with a proper diagnosis and understanding of the anatomical defect, that TMJ surgery may provide a better outcome.

Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans. Please contact us to confirm whether we work with your specific provider.

I have been diagnosed with Severe Degenerative Arthritis in my TMJ and have shifting of my bite but I have no pain. Should I be concerned?

If you have been diagnosed with Severe Degenerative Arthritis, that means you are having both cartilage and bone breakdown in your TMJ. When this occurs you begin to lose both height and width of your jaw joint and this is what is causing the shift in your jaw and bite. Sometimes this is a painful process and sometimes it is not. Our bodies have various abilities to adapt to these changes. The concerns you need to consider are that a shift in your lower jaw can lead to a compromised airway especially when you sleep. When we lose height in our jaw the tongue can be repositioned posteriorly and impact the size of the airway in the back of your throat. This can lead to sleep apnea or sleep disorder breathing symptoms. The other concern is that it can cause excessive load on your back teeth, leading to teeth wear or fractures. Bite shifting with degenerative Arthritis should be taken seriously and carefully evaluated by your TMJ surgeon even if pain is not present.

Your first visit will include a comprehensive exam, cleaning, and a discussion of any concerns or treatment goals you may have.

What are my treatment options if I have Severe Degenerative Arthritis of my TMJs?

Depending on your symptoms and joint breakdown, there are various options for you to consider. It is important to remember the TMJ is very similar to the knee degenerative arthritis. If you are suffering from degenerative changes, then it is very important to minimize the load and trauma to your jureoint, just as you would if you had knee degenerative arthritis. You need to avoid hard and difficult chewing foods that require large openings or create excessive forces on your jaws. Avoid gum, and any trauma to your joint. A TMJ orthotic (splint) can be helpful especially during sleep, exercise, and or clinching. Anti-inflamatory therapy such as heat and ice when it is symptomatic, and or or non-steriordal medications such as tylenol or ibuprofen should be considered. Maintaining good dental health is essential and protect your joints from trauma as much as possible. Severe degenerative changes to the TMJ have limited surgical options, and the best results based on the quality scientific research today is the artificial TMJ total joint replacement. Management of the Degenerative TMJ is very similar to management of Degenerative Arthritis of the knee.

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile—through whitening, veneers, or reshaping—cosmetic dentistry may be a great option for you. We’ll guide you based on your goals.

Question 6?

Yes, we do. If you're experiencing pain or have a dental emergency, please contact us immediately for same-day care.

Question 7?

Yes, PureSmile Clinic offers affordable membership plans that cover routine check-ups, cleanings, and special discounts on treatments—perfect for patients without dental insurance.