Serving Areas of Fairfax, Fairfax Station, and Burke, VA
Have you received a diagnosis of migraine headaches but found no relief? Do you endure unexplained neck, back, and shoulder pain, or struggle with persistent ear aches affecting your daily life and sleep? Surprisingly, all these symptoms may stem from the same source—temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder or TMD). While technically an oral health concern, the repercussions of TMJ disorder can extend throughout the body. See what Dr. Marzban, your Fairfax dentist, can do for you today.
What is TMJ disorder?
When your temporomandibular joint, a small ball-sized joint connecting your jaws to your skull, malfunctions, it results in TMJ disorder. This dysfunction can occur due to factors such as a misaligned bite, teeth grinding (bruxism), or head or jaw injuries. The impact on the temporomandibular joint affects jaw function and how your teeth align when biting, often extending to the surrounding soft tissues, muscles, nerves, and blood supply. TMJ disorder symptoms vary among individuals, but pain is a consistent factor due to the connection between the temporomandibular joint to the trigeminal nerve, leading to frequent headaches that may be misidentified as migraines. The impact on nerves and muscles can also cause pain in the jaws, face, ears, neck, and even shoulders and back, potentially becoming debilitating and hindering daily functioning.
When it comes to treating TMJ disorder, pain relief is our top priority
Dr. Marzban employs cutting-edge technology and techniques to ease muscle pain associated with TMJ disorder. One such method involves ULF-TENS, which stands for Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation. This technique delivers gentle pulses of electricity to compressed muscles, essentially providing a therapeutic massage that enhances blood flow and triggers the release of endorphins in the affected area. Contrary to expectations, this process offers immediate relief for TMJ disorder sufferers.
Moving forward, the focus shifts to addressing the core issue—the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. Dr. Marzban adopts a proactive approach by prescribing an orthotic, a tailor-made oral appliance worn over the teeth to realign the bite and jaws, thereby reducing stress on the temporomandibular joint. These personalized oral appliances consider the specific jaw alignment required and are crafted from precise impressions of the patient’s teeth.
TMJ Treatment in Burke, VA
If you suspect or have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, it is crucial to seek the expertise of a Fairfax dentist, Dr. Pam Marzban. There are multiple treatments to help TMJ pain and disorders. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and tracking technology, Dr. Marzban ensures precise assessments and comprehensive care for her patients.
Find out more what treatment fits best for you and call Dr. Marzban at 703-323-8200 to schedule a consultation today.
Dr. Pamela Marzban is here to serve the oral health needs of patients in the areas of Fairfax, Fairfax Station, and Burke, VA.
