Doctor or Dentist for TMJ: Which Specialist Should You See?
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can cause a great deal of discomfort and pain, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and even sleep. When seeking treatment, patients often find themselves wondering whether they should see a doctor or a dentist for TMJ issues. Understanding the roles of each type of specialist can help you make an informed decision about your care. In this blog, we will explore the differences between doctors and dentists in the context of TMJ treatment, and guide you on how to choose the right specialist for your needs.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint is a complex hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, allowing you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. TMJ disorders (TMD) occur when there is dysfunction in this joint, leading to symptoms such as:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Aching pain around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
The causes of TMJ disorders can be multifactorial, including arthritis, jaw injuries, chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), and stress that leads to tightening of facial and jaw muscles.
The Role of Dentists in TMJ Treatment
Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to recognize and treat TMJ disorders. This is because many TMJ issues are related to dental problems, such as malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) and bruxism. Here’s how a dentist, particularly a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, can help:
Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
Dentists are well-equipped to diagnose TMJ disorders through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. They can assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw, and determine if dental issues are contributing to your TMJ pain.
Oral Appliances
One common treatment provided by dentists for TMJ disorders is the use of oral appliances, such as splints or mouthguards. These devices help to reduce teeth grinding and clenching, relieve pressure on the jaw, and promote proper jaw alignment.
Dental Corrections
If your TMJ disorder is caused by malocclusion or missing teeth, a dentist can provide corrective treatments. This may include orthodontic treatments to realign your teeth, dental restorations, or even surgical interventions to correct structural problems.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Dentists can also recommend and administer non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, stress management techniques, and medications to alleviate pain and inflammation.
The Role of Doctors in TMJ Treatment
While dentists play a crucial role in managing TMJ disorders, doctors—particularly those specializing in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), neurology, or rheumatology—can also be essential in certain cases.
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
Doctors can provide a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions that may be contributing to your TMJ pain. For example, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other systemic conditions can affect the temporomandibular joint.
Medication Management
Doctors can prescribe a broader range of medications that may be necessary for managing TMJ pain, including muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers. They can also manage any potential side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
In complex cases, doctors can order advanced diagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) to evaluate muscle activity, or blood tests to check for inflammatory markers that could indicate autoimmune conditions.
Surgical Interventions
For severe TMJ disorders that do not respond to conservative treatments, doctors can refer patients to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for surgical interventions. This might include arthrocentesis (joint lavage), arthroscopy, or open joint surgery to repair or replace the TMJ.
Choosing the Right Specialist: Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
When deciding whether to see a doctor or dentist for your TMJ disorder, consider the nature of your symptoms and any underlying health conditions you may have. A TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari can often provide comprehensive care that addresses both dental and medical aspects of TMJ disorders.
Integrated Approach
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari offers an integrated approach to TMJ treatment, combining his expertise in dental care with a thorough understanding of the medical factors that can influence TMJ disorders. This holistic perspective ensures that all potential contributing factors are considered and addressed.
Customized Treatment Plans
Every patient’s TMJ disorder is unique, and Dr. Bakhtiari develops customized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each patient. This personalized approach maximizes the chances of successful treatment and long-term relief from TMJ pain.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Dr. Bakhtiari utilizes state-of-the-art technology for the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders. Advanced imaging techniques, precise oral appliances, and cutting-edge therapies are all part of the comprehensive care provided at his practice.
Patient-Centered Care
Patient comfort and satisfaction are at the core of Dr. Bakhtiari’s practice. He takes the time to listen to patients, understand their concerns, and educate them about their condition and treatment options. This patient-centered approach fosters a supportive and effective treatment environment.
Conclusion
When it comes to treating TMJ disorders, both doctors and dentists have essential roles to play. The choice between the two often depends on the specific nature of your condition and symptoms. For many patients, a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari can offer the most comprehensive and effective care, combining dental expertise with a thorough understanding of the medical aspects of TMJ disorders.
If you are experiencing TMJ pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional care for TMJ disorders, ensuring that each patient receives the personalized treatment they need to achieve lasting relief.
About Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is a board-certified TMJ and Oral Facial Pain specialist. He focuses his practice on TMJ disorders, oral pain, facial pain and associated headaches. He treats patients in New York City. His practice is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan three blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
- Treasurer and Committee Chair, NYU Dentistry Alumni Association
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Chair of Membership Committee, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Dr. Nojan shares his in-depth knowledge of the TMJ, oral and facial pain as Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He taught for 5 years at Yale-New Haven Hospital as a clinical attending and course director. He is one of very few diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
As an expert in the field, he has been invited to lecture at New York University, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York State Dental Association, Woodhull Hospital, Lincoln Medical Center, and numerous dental societies and conferences (including Greenwich and Stamford Dental Societies, New Haven Dental Association, Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, New England Dental Society Annual Meeting).
What are treatment options offered by Dr. Nojan?
Dr. Nojan offers the best and advanced treatment options available for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and headaches. Treatments offered by Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari are personalized to you when looking to know more about inflammation of the jaw, and may include:
- Oral appliance therapy (custom mouthguards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections
- Trigger point injections for muscle pain
- Nerve blocks
- Steroid injections for TMJ joint and tendons
- Botox for TMJ, nerve pain, jaw pain and headaches
- Therapeutic ointments and medication for oral, facial and TMJ pain
Overview of Treatments for TMJ, Facial Pain and Oral Pain
Dr. Nojan offers the most advanced and evidence-based treatment options for TMJ, facial pain, oral pain and related headaches.
“Don’t leave TMJ and orofacial pain treatments to guesswork.”
Treatments will always be personalized to you, your condition and your treatment approach preferences. We understand that some patients do not like taking medications, while others are afraid of needles, or have life-styles that prevent them from wearing a bite guard. Learn more about what happens at your first visit with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP. For that reasons, we offer the full range of treatment options and learning about inflammation of the jaw while also including:
- Oral appliance therapy(comfortable and custom bite guards, nightguards, splints)
- Therapeutic injections(such as trigger point muscle injections, nerve blocks, and botox®), PRP
- Steroid injections jaw joint (TMJ) and associated tendons
- Compounded Topical Pain Medications and mouth rinses
- Jaw stretching exercises and physical therapy modalities
TMJ Treatment options vary depending on the individual suffering from TMJ and the specifics of their condition. Since TMJ/TMD can affect the musculature, tendons, bones and joint of the jaw, a thorough examination and diagnosis is paramount prior to initiating any treatment. Treatments include therapeutic injections of muscles and the joints, custom fabricated orthotics (also called splints, mouth guards, nightguards or occlusal guards), medications, creams, botox©, jaw stretching exercises, and physical therapy.
TMJ therapies should never include grinding down of otherwise healthy teeth. It is ill-advised to suggest to a patient that grinding of their otherwise healthy natural teeth is related to the TMJ pain they are perceiving. This treatment philosophy of “correcting the bite”, by either grinding down teeth (occlusal adjustments), restoring teeth with crowns, or moving teeth with braces or invisalign©, has been debunked in the dental and scientific literature.
What to expect at your first visit to our office
At your first visit to our office, Dr. Bakhtiari and his team will thoroughly examine your jaw, face, TMJ, bite and mouth. He will determine the source and cause of your discomfort, and devise a customized treatment solution that will work for you to help with inflammation of the jaw.
The initial consultation includes:
- Review of your medical history
- Detailed evaluation of your pain, discomfort and/or other symptoms
- Cranial nerve screening
- Muscle palpation of the muscles of your jaw, head and neck
- TMJ evaluation: evaluating the health of your jaw joints including their range of motion, tenderness and any clicking/popping sounds
- Additional imaging if necessary: X-rays, panoramic, CT scans, MRIs
- Additional testing as needed: diagnostic topical anesthetics, muscle and nerve blocks, blood tests