Orofacial Pain Clinic in New York City: Comprehensive Care with Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
Chronic orofacial pain can be debilitating and impact various aspects of daily life, from chewing and speaking to simply enjoying a comfortable night’s sleep. For many individuals in New York City, finding relief from this pain starts with understanding its root causes, and that’s where an experienced TMJ specialist comes into play. At Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s Orofacial Pain Clinic in New York City, patients receive expert care tailored to addressing conditions like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), jaw pain, facial discomfort, and more. With a focus on compassionate, individualized treatment, Dr. Bakhtiari has become a trusted name for those seeking lasting relief from orofacial pain.
Understanding Orofacial Pain
Orofacial pain refers to discomfort or pain experienced in the face, mouth, or jaw. It can be caused by various factors, including dental issues, nerve damage, muscle tension, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders are particularly prevalent, affecting millions of people worldwide, and often manifest as pain in the jaw, clicking sounds when opening the mouth, and difficulty with chewing or speaking.
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari specializes in diagnosing and treating these complex pain conditions, offering patients in New York City effective relief. His clinic is dedicated to providing thorough evaluations, ensuring that each patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
TMJ Disorders: A Common Cause of Orofacial Pain
TMJ disorders (also known as temporomandibular joint disorders) are a leading cause of orofacial pain and can significantly impact quality of life. The temporomandibular joints are the two hinge-like joints located at each side of the jaw that connect the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. These joints play a crucial role in everyday functions such as talking, chewing, and yawning. However, when these joints are injured, inflamed, or misaligned, it can result in TMJ pain, stiffness, and restricted jaw movement.
Patients suffering from TMJ disorders often experience symptoms such as:
- Pain in the jaw, face, or neck
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Limited range of jaw movement (lockjaw)
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches and ear pain
At Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s clinic, TMJ treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the root cause of the disorder. Whether the pain stems from joint inflammation, muscle tension, or another underlying issue, Dr. Bakhtiari offers evidence-based treatment options to alleviate discomfort and improve functionality.
The Role of a TMJ Specialist
For individuals experiencing persistent jaw pain or facial discomfort, seeing a TMJ specialist like Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari is critical. TMJ disorders can be complex and often involve multiple factors, including misalignment of the jaw, teeth grinding (bruxism), stress-related muscle tension, and injury. A TMJ doctor is specially trained to diagnose and treat these conditions using a holistic approach that addresses not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes of pain.
Dr. Bakhtiari’s approach to TMJ treatment in New York City incorporates:
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessments: Each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including physical examination, imaging, and functional assessments to identify the root cause of their TMJ pain. This ensures that treatment is precise and personalized.
- Non-invasive Treatment Options: Dr. Bakhtiari emphasizes non-surgical treatment options whenever possible. These may include oral appliances, physical therapy, and behavioral therapies to manage symptoms and restore function.
- Collaboration with Other Specialists: In cases where TMJ disorders are linked to other conditions like sleep apnea or dental problems, Dr. Bakhtiari collaborates with dentists, orthodontists, and other healthcare providers to deliver a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Advanced TMJ Treatments at Dr. Bakhtiari’s Clinic
For patients in New York City, finding a TMJ specialist who offers advanced, non-invasive treatments is essential for long-term relief. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari utilizes cutting-edge techniques to manage TMJ pain and restore normal jaw function. Some of the advanced TMJ treatments available at his clinic include:
- Custom-Made Oral Appliances: Often referred to as TMJ splints or night guards, these oral devices are designed to stabilize the jaw, reduce muscle tension, and prevent teeth grinding. By improving jaw alignment, these appliances can significantly reduce TMJ pain over time.
- Physical Therapy and Jaw Exercises: Physical therapy plays a vital role in TMJ treatment by strengthening the muscles around the jaw and improving range of motion. Dr. Bakhtiari works closely with patients to develop personalized exercise routines that target the specific muscles contributing to their pain.
- Trigger Point Injections: For patients experiencing muscle spasms or severe tension in the jaw muscles, trigger point injections may be recommended. These injections help relieve pain by targeting specific points of muscle tension, promoting relaxation and healing.
- Behavioral Therapy: Stress and anxiety are known contributors to TMJ disorders, particularly in patients who clench or grind their teeth. Behavioral therapy techniques, such as biofeedback and stress management, are offered at Dr. Bakhtiari’s clinic to help patients address these triggers and manage their condition effectively.
Understanding TMJ Pain and Its Impact on Daily Life
Living with TMJ pain can significantly impact one’s ability to perform daily tasks, such as eating, speaking, or even smiling. Many patients report experiencing chronic headaches, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort in addition to jaw pain. The emotional toll of living with constant discomfort can also lead to anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
At Dr. Bakhtiari’s Orofacial Pain Clinic, patients are treated not just for their physical symptoms but also for the emotional and psychological impact of living with chronic pain. By taking a holistic approach to TMJ treatment, Dr. Bakhtiari ensures that his patients in New York City receive the care they need to regain their quality of life.
Why Choose Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari for TMJ Treatment in New York City?
Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari has earned a reputation as a leading TMJ specialist in New York City due to his extensive experience and dedication to patient care. His clinic is committed to providing state-of-the-art orofacial pain treatment in a compassionate, patient-centered environment. Here are some key reasons why patients trust Dr. Bakhtiari for their TMJ treatment:
- Expertise: With years of experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, Dr. Bakhtiari is uniquely qualified to manage complex cases of orofacial pain. His commitment to staying current with the latest advancements in TMJ treatment ensures that his patients receive the best care possible.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial consultation to the final stages of treatment, Dr. Bakhtiari offers comprehensive care that addresses every aspect of TMJ disorders. His individualized treatment plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Dr. Bakhtiari’s clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment technologies, allowing for precise evaluations and effective interventions. Patients can trust that they are receiving the most up-to-date care available.
- Compassionate Approach: Chronic pain can take an emotional and physical toll, and Dr. Bakhtiari understands the importance of compassionate care. He takes the time to listen to his patients’ concerns, answer their questions, and guide them through the treatment process with empathy and support.
Conditions Treated at Dr. Bakhtiari’s Orofacial Pain Clinic
In addition to TMJ disorders, Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari’s clinic specializes in treating a wide range of orofacial pain conditions, including:
- Facial Pain: Chronic facial pain can be caused by nerve damage, muscle tension, or other factors. Dr. Bakhtiari works to identify the source of pain and provide targeted treatment to alleviate discomfort.
- Jaw Muscle Pain: Muscle tension in the jaw can lead to soreness, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Treatment options at Dr. Bakhtiari’s clinic include physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and oral appliances to reduce muscle strain.
- Headaches Related to TMJ: Many patients with TMJ disorders also suffer from headaches and migraines. By treating the underlying TMJ disorder, Dr. Bakhtiari helps reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, improving patients’ quality of life.
Take the First Step Towards Relief: Contact Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari
If you are experiencing TMJ pain, jaw discomfort, or other orofacial pain symptoms, seeking treatment from an experienced TMJ specialist is the first step towards relief. Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari and his team at the Orofacial Pain Clinic in New York City are dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting relief from their symptoms and regain their quality of life.
What are causes of TMJ Pain?
TMJ can have many different causes. The muscular type of TMJ disorders can be related to overuse of your chewing muscles, muscle knots (trigger points), injury, muscle enlargement, or medical comorbidities. Overuse can occur as a result of eating chewy hard foods, yawning wide, excessive talking, nail biting, and habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth. The joint related type of TMJ can be caused by injury, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, underdevelopment, or disc problems (internal derangement that result in clicking and popping sounds). The pain usually intensifies when the patient is very stressed, sleeps poorly, is anxious/depressed, or suffers from other medical problems. Medical comorbidities can include migraines, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and past injuries to the face, head and jaw. Additionally, TMJ pain can aggravate neck pain, and vice versa. The reason for this is that the nerves that innervate the TMJ and neck directly communicate with one another in the pain centers of the brainstem.
What are the TMJ treatment options?
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.
How is TMJ diagnosed?
TMJ is best diagnosed by a thorough history, interview, and clinical examination. The clinical examination includes the TMJ specialist palpating the musculature, tendons, bones and joints of the jaw. A trained TMJ specialist will also conduct a cranial nerve screening checking for any abnormalities, evaluate your neck, and ask about headaches and sleep problems.
Depending on those findings, Dr. Bakhtiari may request diagnostic imaging (x-rays of the jaw, CT scans, or MRI) and blood tests. Diagnosis of TMJ disorders does not always require advanced and expensive imaging, and never requires expensive gadgets. While these gadgets appear impressive, they have not been shown to be objective or accurate.
Can TMJ cause headaches? Are TMJ and migraines related?
A commonly asked question is whether TMJ can cause headaches or if the two are related. TMJ disorders can cause a category of headaches classified as ‘TMD related headaches’ that are perceived in the temples, in front of the ears, the lower and upper jaws. This type of headache condition tends to be the most intense in the morning when waking up. One of the challenges of TMJ diagnosis is that TMJ can mimic headaches and vice versa. For that reason, some patients who suffer from headaches are incorrectly treated for TMJ (for example with a mouthguard) with little to no improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, any pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution (jaw muscle pain, toothaches, joint pain, sinus issues, etc.) tends to intensify headache symptoms in a patient who is already suffering from a migraine or tension-type headache.
Dr. Bakhtiari has extensive experience and training in diagnosing and treating TMJ and headaches. He will help you determine whether your headache, jaw and facial pain, is due to a migraine, tension-type headache or due to TMJ.
