Preetanjali Thakur, BDS, MS


Dr. Preetanjali Thakur is a board-certified Diplomate by the American Board of Orofacial Pain and holds a Master of Dental Science from the University of Minnesota.



Dr. Preetanjali Thakur comes to us with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She subsequently completed a fellowship in Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, and an Advanced Education clinical training residency in Temporomandibular Disorders at the University of MN. Most recently, Dr Thakur completed her Masters of Dental Science, also at the University of Minnesota.

Professional Information for Preetanjali Thakur, BDS, MS

Basic Information Details
State Medical License: Specialty Dentist Minnesota S127
Physician NPI Number 1184023772
Provider Taxonomy Dentist – Orofacial Pain 1223X2210X
Related Leadership Positions 1. Committee member of AAOP Resident & Academic training since 2023 2. Mentorship Committee of AAOP Resident & Academic training – New
Past Related Professional Roles 1. 2012-2014: Researcher and Junior Scientist, Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials & Biomechanics (MDRCBB), School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, USA 2. 2016-2017: Treatment Coordinator, Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic, Plymouth, Minnesota
Business Address Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Clinic, PA 3475 Plymouth Blvd # 200 Minneapolis, MN 55447
Phone: (763) 577-2484 (952) 892-6222
Additional Clinic Address Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Clinic, PA 675 E Nicollet Blvd St 255 Burnsville, MN 55337

 

Education

Dr. Preetanjali Thakur comes to us with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She subsequently completed a Fellowship in Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, and an advanced education clinical training residency in Temporomandibular Disorders at the University of Minnesota. Most recently, Dr Thakur completed her Master of Dental Science, also at the University of Minnesota. She is also a University of Minnesota Physicians provider and Fairview Health Care Provider. Within Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic, Dr. Thakur treats both adults and children with TMJ and Orofacial pain disorders, neuropathic pain, burning mouth syndrome, and headaches. She works in conjunction with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians including top MN physical therapists, health psychologist, and physicians. Dr. Thakur works to coordinate and manage both simple and complex chronic pain disorders involving the jaw, face and head.

Medical Procedures Offered

New Patient Consultation – Pain Management New Patient Consultation – Dental Sleep Medicine
Follow Up Visit – Dental Sleep Medicine Follow Up Visit – Pain Management
Trigger Point Injections Telemedicine Healthcare
Botox Injections for TMD Botox Injections for Migraines
Occlusal Orthotic Appliances – TMJ Splints Oral Devices for Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Mandibular Advancement Devices

Clinical Areas of Focus

As an orofacial pain specialist, my focus is on diagnosing and managing various conditions that affect the head, face, and neck region.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) management: This encompasses a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint like jaw pain, jaw clicking or popping noises, limited jaw movement, inflammatory and degenerative conditions, rheumatological conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional limitations.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Characterized by chronic muscle pain, tenderness, and trigger points in the muscles of the head, neck, and face
Neuropathic Pain: Conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal nerve disorders like persistent dentoalveolar pain, and neuritis can be intraoral and extraoral.
Headaches: This includes tension-type headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, which may originate from structures within the head and neck.
Sleep Disorders: Such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and bruxism (teeth grinding), which can contribute to orofacial pain and discomfort.
Chronic Pain Syndromes: Comprehensive management of chronic pain syndromes that affect the orofacial region, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

Professional Affiliations

2016 to present Member of American Academy of Orofacial Pain
2018 to present Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain
2017 to present Diplomat, American Board of Orofacial Pain
2019 Trainee member of International Association of Study of Pain (IASP)

Additional Professional Experience

She also been involved in teaching Continuing Education (CE) courses and lectured residents at the School of Dentistry, the VA healthcare system, as well as fellow community members through study clubs. Additionally, she has been fortunate to contribute to the SPACE Randomized Clinical trial at the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR) in VA Minneapolis, MN, USA. In addition, she is involved in various committees in American Academy of Orofacial Pain.

Philosophy-of-Care

Dr. Thakur’s care philosophy centers around her patients. Inspired by William Osler’s belief that “the patient will tell you the diagnosis,” she values creating a comfortable space for patients to share their pain experiences. She customizes treatment plans to meet each individual’s unique needs, providing comprehensive, patient-centered support for those experiencing head and neck pain and dysfunction. As an Orofacial pain specialist, she emphasizes on accurate diagnosis through careful evaluation and evidence-based practice. Above all, she is dedicated to delivering compassionate care, building trusting relationships, alleviating pain, restoring function, and enhancing the overall quality of life. It is particularly gratifying for her when patients refer their family members and friends to her care.

Personal Interests

Outside work I like to enjoy outdoor time with my family, my husband and two boys. I love to travel. Recently, I have been excited to downhill ski, which encourages the love for Minnesotan winters. Growing up amidst the Himalayan mountains in India instilled in me a love for trekking and hiking, pursuits that I still cherish to this day. I also enjoy yoga and Zumba and to have a great time with friends. I believe that great conversations are like chicken soup for the soul. In terms of certifications, I would like to continue to hone my skills in pain management and dental sleep medicine.

Google Reviews

“I enjoyed Dr. Thakur very much. She was most thorough as she questioned and examined me. She listened to me and my husband, taking my issue seriously. She thought outside the box as she honed in on a path forward. I am more than satisfied.” – Jill
“I went to the clinic to check on for my sleep and snoring related issue. Dr Thakur took care of me very well along with her team. She helped me with clear explanation, different options, next step and reasons. She and her team is amazing. Proactive preventive steps recommended by her are already helping me and making things better day by day. I would recommend her and team.” – Chaitanaya
“My neurologist referred me to Mn Head & Neck Pain Clinic to help diagnose my head and face pain. From the first visit, I knew I had landed in the right place. Dr. Thakur quickly identified the source of my pain and got me on the right track to address it. The entire team of Dr’s, Nurses and therapists have been great! Dr Thakur, Dr. Clavel and all of the other staff members listen to the patients and quickly respond to messages. Even when I found out that my insurance wouldn’t cover my visits there, I have continued to go see Dr. Thakur.” – Andrea

 

“My experience with Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic was amazing. I’ve struggled with TMD for over 10 years with little to no relief after trying many different interventions. The team at this clinic, especially Dr. Thakur, were attentive and proactive with my care and concerns…” – Alexa
“Seeing Dr. Thakur you will come away with results. Dr. Thakur and team are vastly knowledgeable, compassionate, and use a collaborative approach to address whole health concerns thus providing the highest quality care.” – Jenn
“Dr Thakur is first rate! Compassionate and explained things really well. She was also very clear about the best and most cost effective ways for me to access my health and dental benefits. I can’t praise her too highly! Also appreciated the communication with clinic as to insurance and appointment details.” – Ann Marie

 

“Dr. Preetanjali Thakur, BDS, MS is amazing! She is thorough and to the point but with great respect.” – Yvonne Anderson
“Dr. Thakur and the staff and MN Head & Neck Pain Clinic were wonderful! Dr. Thakur was very thorough.” – Dan & Shannon Kaltved
“Dr. Thakur is absolutely fantastic. She listened to all of my concerns and validated my feelings.” – Kayla Lerach

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Our mission is to provide high-quality, effective patient care for head and neck disorders through a multispecialty, interdisciplinary approach designed to reduce pain and improve function for all our patients.

3475 Plymouth Blvd # 200, Minneapolis, MN 55447

Locations

Plymouth: (763) 577-2484
Fax: (763) 577-1375

St. Paul: (651) 332-7474
Fax: (651) 332-7475

Burnsville: (952) 892-6222
Fax: (952) 892-6477

St. Cloud: (763) 233-7252
Fax: (952) 892-6477

Copyright by Minnesota Neck and Pain Clinic 2024. All rights reserved.