TMJ and Orofacial Pain Specialist - Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP

07/31/2024

So how much TMJ is taught in dental schools? The short answer is not enough.

The average dental education includes just 1-2 hours of TMJ lectures – that means no clinical exam or treatments are taught before the students graduate. This is in stark contrast with other areas of dentistry where students are required to prove proficiency, e.g. for root canals, tooth fillings, dental cleanings and tooth extractions. Almost no students will ever have the opportunity to learn how to make a nightguard or provide therapeutic injections.

Things are improving, however very slowly… and many dentists are left acquiring TMJ knowledge on their own from non-scientific, non- academic sources.

For the sake of patients, I hope this educational gap closes soon. I hope more TMJ is taught in dental schools and more dentists pursue formal residency training in TMJ and become board-certified specialists.

07/19/2024

Swipe to learn more ➡️➡️

07/15/2024

TMJ shouldn’t get in the way of banter (and a delicious meal). If your jaw symptoms are preventing you from chatting and enjoying a meal with friends, head over to our profile for an appointment.

07/01/2024

We are excited for our friend (and coworker) Dr. Lais Granzoti on starting her Orofacial Pain residency this week at the world-renowned Rutgers OFP program!

Many of our patients have had the joy of interacting with Dr. Granzoti at our office. Despite the intense dental school curriculum, Dr. Granzoti always made time to learn more about TMJ and orofacial pain, and even joined me at the AAOP conference.

Excited to see where this journey will take her! And knowing she’ll be able to reach and help many many more patients.

 

06/12/2024

How does a board-certified orofacial pain specialist differ from a “TMJ specialist”?

Orofacial pain specialists are the only official ADA-recognized specialty that treats TMJ disorders and facial pain. Unlike a self-proclaimed “TMJ specialist”, an orofacial pain specialist completed 2 additional formal years of full-time residency, focused entirely on TMJ disorders and facial pain.

During those 2 years, significant time is spent learning from other medical specialities including ENT, neurology, rheumatology, and pulmonology. This additional training allows us to better understand and treat you comprehensively, without missing conditions that mimic TMJ disorders.

About ~380 orofacial pain specialists have achieved board-certification. After their residency, they passed two additional exams (one written and one oral) administered by the American Board of Orofacial Pain.

To receive the best, most updated and research-backed treatment, look for a board-certified orofacial pain specialist such as Dr. Nojan.

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06/04/2024

04/30/2024

Early treatment is the key to unlocking your jaw and to avoid surgery. Treatment needs to be directed at the cause and is rarely helped by Botox. Ask questions below or in our DMs.

04/12/2024

Friday mindfulness check: Give your muscles much needed rest. Unclench your teeth and let your jaw float. An easy trick to find a healthy jaw resting position is to make the “M” sound (lips sealed and teeth slightly apart).

Repeated daytime clenching can cause TMJ pain and temple headaches. If you’re having a hard time managing daytime clenching we can help.

04/09/2024

Finished my 6th and last lecture of the semester at Columbia University CDM. The third year dental students are brilliant, and stomped me with one of their questions. Back to the 📚 it is…

Ask (easier) questions below ⬇️

03/06/2024

03/05/2024

It was an honor to return and give a presentation in the lecture hall where I used to be a student. Thank you NYU alumni, friends & faculty for attending.






📷 NYU Photo Bureau/LSorel

02/12/2024

02/09/2024

We’re posting Dr. Nojan’s 2024 Lecturing Schedule next. This year he will cover TMJ / TMD, sleep apnea, snoring, orofacial pain, Botox, orthotics, medications, and other treatments. Stay tuned!

11/28/2023

Scroll to learn more ➡️, and ask question below.

11/14/2023

Finally escapes for coffee ➡️ quickly reminded he needs to get back to referring doctors about patient care

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11/13/2023

Woke up tired? Did your bed partner keep you awake? We can help. We specialize in comfortable oral appliances that can optimize your sleep so you can be refreshed for the week.

Given Dr. Nojan’s unique and advanced training in TMJ:

• we can make sure that you do not develop new jaw symptoms or bite changes as a result of an oral appliance
• if you have TMJ or grind your teeth, we are able to concurrently treat your sleep and TMJ conditions

11/07/2023

I was interviewed for a podcast, and asked by my colleague why I started my own TMJ practice.

My vision: To offer academic level expertise with the accessibility and benefits of private practice.

We’ll post the podcast once it goes live…

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11/02/2023

Avoid the headache. Get treated early!

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09/13/2023

Do you wear the wrong type of night guard?

A locking jaw, or one that gets stuck, requires a repositioning appliance and NOT a dental nightguard or stabilization splint (aka flat orthotic). The latter will not guide the jaw into the correct position and will not be able to prevent the jaw from locking.

Furthermore, the wrong nightguard can actually lock you more than not wearing anything!

A repositioning appliance will prevent your lower jaw from falling back, leaving room for your TMJ discs so that you no longer lock.

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08/09/2023

Read more about who is a good candidate for TMJ Botox. Ask questions below!
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08/02/2023

What are your most pressing TMJ questions?

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06/16/2023

Don’t ignore your jaw locking or getting stuck. This week we met several patients who waited too long. As a result, some developed permanently locked jaws and arthritis that will require surgery.

The earlier your diagnosis is made, the simpler the treatment will be. In the first few weeks (up to ~2 months) you can still fully recover with the correct treatment.

As a reminder, jaw locking or getting stuck is caused by an internal instability of the TMJ cartilage, and not necessarily because of clenching/grinding.

04/05/2023

Scroll to read about the differences between TMJ headaches and migraines.

If you are having TMJ headaches, get evaluated by our practice!

03/14/2023

Mentorship has been an integral part of our practice. I have been fortunate to have some phenomenal mentors myself along the way.

Had a great time chatting about the specialty of TMJ & Orofacial Pain with students!

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01/23/2023

Returning tomorrow for in-person lectures at Columbia University. Can’t wait to meet and interact with the students! I’ve realized the best way to stay current and offer cutting-edge treatments to our patients is by continuously teaching and lecturing.

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10/04/2022

Remember not all TMJ is the same! While Botox can be therapeutic for certain TMJ conditions, there are better options for the TMJ symptoms listed above.

Before getting Botox for TMJ, get evaluated by orofacial pain specialist.

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09/29/2022

Fall weather and TMJ.

For those patients who report more jaw tightness and pain as the temperature cools:

• start wearing scarves and jackets that cover your jaw and lower face
• warm drinks (ideally non-caffeinated 😅)
• warm compresses when you get home

As a reminder there are different types of TMJ (including muscular, joint, arthritis, etc). Warm compresses should be reserved for muscular TMJ.

09/20/2022

Mindfulness check: Don’t let your teeth touch during the day! Keep your teeth slightly apart and let your jaw float.

Daytime clenching stresses the muscles and joints in your jaw and face, causing TMJ and headaches.

And if you absolutely cannot, we have some options to help you get there.

09/09/2022

Botox lecture alert! I’m lecturing this Monday at the New York County Dental Society on the pros and cons of Botox for TMJ

08/12/2022

Hello new waiting room. I might just move in.