TMJ Surgeon in Mumbai: Dr. Tofiq Bohra’s Guide to Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can make eating, speaking and even opening your mouth uncomfortable. If the pain keeps coming back, you may wonder whether you need to see a TMJ surgeon in Mumbai. The answer depends on what is causing the pain. An assessment can help you understand your symptoms and the options available to you.

Dr. Tofiq Bohra is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Mumbai. His practice, Maxillofacial Surgery India, lists TMJ disorders and jaw pain among its areas of care. A consultation can help determine whether your jaw pain is related to a TMJ disorder or another condition.

Could Your Jaw Pain Be Related to a TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull. They help you move your jaw when you talk, chew or yawn. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect the joints, the muscles used for chewing, or both.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), pain in the chewing muscles or jaw joint is a common symptom. Other signs can include:

• Pain that spreads to the face or neck
• Jaw stiffness or limited movement
• A jaw that locks when you try to open or close it
• Clicking or popping that hurts

Jaw pain does not always mean you have a TMJ disorder. A clinician may need to check for other causes. Clicking without pain is also common and often needs no treatment. Source: NIDCR

Signs It Is Time to Seek an Assessment

Consider arranging a dental or medical assessment if jaw pain persists, returns often, or makes it hard to chew, speak or open your mouth. Tell the clinician if your jaw locks, your movement has changed, or the clicking is painful. The NHS guide to TMD also notes that pain may worsen when chewing.

If you cannot eat or drink because of your symptoms, or your jaw locks and you cannot open it properly, seek prompt medical care rather than waiting for a routine consultation. Source: NHS

What Happens During a TMJ Consultation?

A clinician will usually ask where you feel pain, when it began, what makes it better or worse, and whether you have trouble moving your jaw. They may examine your face, jaw and neck for tenderness and check how your jaw moves. An X-ray, MRI or CT scan may be considered when it would help clarify the diagnosis; imaging is not automatically needed for everyone. Source: NIDCR

It can help to bring a list of your symptoms, any previous treatment and any scans you already have. You might ask:

• What may be causing my jaw pain?
• Do I need any tests?
• Which simple treatments could I try first?
• When should I return if my symptoms continue?

Does TMJ Jaw Pain Always Need Surgery?

No. Many people improve without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, initial care may include softer foods for a short time, heat or cold, changes to jaw habits, pain relief advised by a clinician, or physical therapy. The right approach depends on your symptoms and health history. Source: NIDCR

Procedures may be discussed for selected cases, such as serious joint damage or ongoing symptoms after simpler care has not helped. Before deciding on any procedure, ask about its expected benefits, risks, alternatives and recovery. The NIDCR advises starting with conservative care and considering a second opinion before treatment that permanently changes the jaw joint, teeth or bite.

Meet Dr. Tofiq Bohra, TMJ Surgeon in Mumbai

Dr. Bohra’s practice website describes him as an Indian Board Certified Surgeon with a focus on facial and jaw surgery. The practice lists TMJ care among its services and notes his TMJ training at the University of Maryland.

If jaw pain is affecting your daily life, you can book a consultation with Dr. Bohra to discuss your symptoms and the next steps. Seeing a surgeon for an assessment does not mean you will need surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a TMJ disorder cause pain while chewing?

Yes. Jaw joint or chewing-muscle pain is a common TMD symptom, and it may feel worse when you chew. Other conditions can also cause jaw pain, so an assessment matters. Sources: NIDCR, NHS

2. Is jaw clicking always a sign of a problem?

No. Clicking without pain is common and usually does not need treatment. Painful clicking or a change in jaw movement is worth discussing with a clinician. Source: NIDCR

3. Can TMJ pain improve without surgery?

Yes. Many people improve without treatment or with simple care. A clinician can advise which options fit your situation. Source: NIDCR

4. When should I see a TMJ surgeon?

If jaw pain persists, movement is limited, or simpler care has not helped, a specialist assessment may be useful. A dentist or doctor can also help you decide when to seek specialist care. Sources: NIDCR, NHS

5. Will I need a scan at my first consultation?

Not necessarily. A clinician starts with your symptoms, history and examination, then may suggest imaging if it is needed to understand the problem. Source: NIDCR

Ready to discuss your jaw pain? Book a consultation with Dr. Tofiq Bohra in Mumbai for an assessment and guidance on your treatment options.