Doctors Who Specialize in TMJ
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can significantly impact one’s quality of life, leading to pain, discomfort, and a host of related symptoms. Understanding the specialists who treat TMJ disorders is crucial for those seeking relief. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a renowned expert in TMJ treatment, offers valuable insights into this condition and its management.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, acting as a hinge that allows for movements necessary for speaking, chewing, and yawning. TMJ disorders encompass a range of issues affecting this joint, leading to symptoms such as jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or locking of the jaw. These symptoms can arise from various causes, including injury, arthritis, or habitual clenching and grinding of teeth.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around the ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
Given the complexity and potential severity of these symptoms, seeking the right specialist is essential for effective TMJ treatment.
Types of Specialists for TMJ Treatment
1. Dentists
Dentists are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing TMJ pain. They can diagnose TMJ disorders through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Many dentists have additional training in TMJ treatment and can offer solutions such as custom-fitted mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding and alleviate TMJ symptoms.
2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists with extensive training in surgery involving the mouth, jaw, and face. They are particularly skilled in managing severe cases of TMJ disorders that may require surgical intervention. Procedures performed by these specialists can include arthroscopy, joint replacement, and corrective jaw surgery.
3. Orthodontists
Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. They can play a significant role in TMJ treatment by addressing misalignments of the teeth and jaw, which often contribute to TMJ disorders. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or aligners, can help alleviate TMJ pain by correcting bite issues.
4. Rheumatologists
Rheumatologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other rheumatic diseases that can affect joints, muscles, and bones. Since TMJ disorders can sometimes be caused by arthritis, rheumatologists can offer valuable insights and treatments to manage inflammation and pain associated with TMJ conditions.
5. Physical Therapists
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals trained to treat musculoskeletal problems through physical methods. They can provide exercises and techniques to improve jaw mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the TMJ. Physical therapy can be an effective non-invasive treatment option for TMJ disorders.
6. Pain Management Specialists
Pain management specialists focus on managing chronic pain through various methods, including medication, physical therapy, and interventional procedures. They can offer comprehensive pain management plans for patients suffering from TMJ pain, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
Why Choose a TMJ Specialist?
Given the multifaceted nature of TMJ disorders, it is crucial to seek a specialist with specific expertise in this area. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a TMJ specialist, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. Specialists in TMJ disorders have the necessary training and experience to accurately diagnose the condition and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders
1. Medications
Medications can be effective in managing TMJ pain and inflammation. Commonly prescribed medications include:
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: These can be used to relieve pain or control bruxism.
- Muscle relaxants: These medications can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain.
2. Therapies
Non-invasive therapies can be highly effective in treating TMJ disorders. These include:
- Physical therapy: Exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles can help reduce symptoms.
- Oral splints or mouthguards: Worn at night, these devices can prevent teeth grinding and provide relief from TMJ pain.
- Counseling: Learning stress management techniques can help patients cope with the stress and anxiety that may exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
3. Surgical Interventions
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Options include:
- Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure to remove fluid and debris from the joint.
- Arthroscopy: Involves the insertion of a small camera into the joint to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders.
- Open-joint surgery: For more severe cases, open-joint surgery may be required to repair or replace the joint.
The Role of a TMJ Specialist
A TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders. They use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to understand the underlying causes of TMJ pain and develop customized treatment plans. By focusing on the specific needs of each patient, a TMJ specialist can provide targeted therapies that address the root causes of TMJ disorders and offer long-term relief.
Conclusion
TMJ disorders can be debilitating, but with the right specialist, effective treatment is possible. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, a dedicated TMJ specialist, underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to TMJ treatment. Whether through medication, therapy, or surgery, the goal is to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients suffering from TMJ disorders.
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, seeking the expertise of a TMJ specialist is the first step toward finding relief and improving your quality of life. With a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, specialists like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari can help you navigate the complexities of TMJ disorders and 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