Professional Dental Care with a Personal Touch
May 17th, 2012
The symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD) can be very similar to those of a migraine, but the two are not actually the same thing. If you suffer from chronic migraine headaches, Burke, Virginia neuromuscular dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban can determine if TMD is the culprit. If TMD is responsible for your headaches, she can provide TMJ treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent TMD aches from occurring again.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are vascular. They are caused when enlarged blood vessels force chemicals from nerve fibers to be released. Nerve fibers are coiled around the larger arteries in your brain. Pain impulses from these fibers will result in swelling, additional inflammation of arteries, and a throbbing, debilitating headache.
TMD Headaches
The pain from TMD headaches is similar to that from migraines. The difference is that these headaches are caused by excess pressure on your trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for a bulk majority of the sensation throughout your head.
Like migraines, TMD can result in nausea, tingling arms and finger tips, and severe pain that lasts for days. Unlike migraine headaches, TMJ treatment will be effective at preventing a reoccurrence of symptoms.
If you live in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and suffer from migraine headache symptoms, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule a TMJ evaluation today.
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May 16th, 2012
It is estimated that up to 20 million people have diabetes, but only two-thirds of these individuals are diagnosed. Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes. This relationship causes great concern because serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood sugar control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to visit a dentist on a regular basis and to keep the dentist up to date on the status of the diabetic’s oral and overall health.
How are gum disease and diabetes related?
Because diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, the gums are at risk for gingivitis, a reversible form of gum disease usually caused by the presence of bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that create a sticky film that accumulates on teeth, both above and below the gum line, leading to inflammation. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, an irreversible destruction of the tissues that surround and support teeth.
What other problems are associated with diabetes?
Other oral problems associated with diabetes include thrush (candidiasis), an infection caused by a fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth, which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and cavities. To prevent problems with bacterial infections in the mouth, I may prescribe antibiotics, medicated mouth rinses, and more frequent cleanings.
How can you stay healthy?
Brush your teeth with an antimicrobial toothpaste containing fluoride and rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash at least two times a day. People with diabetes who receive good dental care and have good insulin control typically have a better chance of avoiding gum disease. To improve their quality of life and their oral health, people with diabetes need to pay close attention to diet and exercise. People with diabetes should be sure that both their medical and dental care providers are aware of their medical history and periodontal status. To keep teeth and gums, those with diabetes should be aware of their blood sugar levels in addition to having their triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis.
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May 10th, 2012
TMD and TMJ are often used interchangeably for temporomandibular joint disorder. Some people use TMJ as an acronym for the temporomandibular joint, and is commonly used as an acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint is responsible for all of the movement of your jaw. TMD is also an acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder. In most cases, when you hear TMD or TMJ, they are referring to the same thing.
Understanding TMD/TMJ
The exact cause of TMD is often unknown. TMD may be asymptomatic, only detected during your regularly scheduled appointments with Fairfax Station neuromuscular dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban. More often TMD can be recognized through symptoms such as:
- Clicking or popping when the jaw moves
- Swelling, pain, or discomfort around the jaw joint
- Limited law mobility
TMD may also have symptoms including chronic headaches, neck, shoulder and back pain, and ear ringing or pain without infection. Some of these symptoms may not seem related to temporomandibular joint disorder, but a TMJ evaluation from Dr. Marzban can help you determine if this problem is the cause of your discomfort.
If you live in the areas of Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and are suffering from any of the symptoms of TMD, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an initial consultation today.
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May 3rd, 2012
TENS is an acronym for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. One of the most effective forms of TMJ treatment, a TENS unit stimulates nerves with slight electrical pulses, immediately relaxing muscles and eliminating pain and discomfort. Fairfax, Virginia neuromuscular dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban often uses a TENS unit alone or as a combined approach to treat acute symptoms of TMD.
TENS for TMD
One of the first steps in TMD treatment is the relief of pain. In many cases, over the counter medications are too weak to diminish discomfort, but prescription pain medications can be both addictive and debilitating. By contrast, a TENS unit treatment isnoninvasiveand incredibly effective, and will not result in addiction.
A TENS unit uses electrical stimulation to decrease the transmission of pain signals to the brain. At the same time, the stimulation from a TENS unit encourages muscle relaxation which may help your jaw return to its proper alignment. There is substantial evidence that suggests TENS stimulation causes a release of serotonin as well, reducing anxiety and nervousness that can accompany TMJ pain.
If you live in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and are suffering from pain caused by TMD, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule a TENS unit consultation today.
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April 26th, 2012
The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) is largely considered the most prestigious neuromuscular dentistry educational institution in the world. An LVI trained dentist learns the inner workings of the temporomandibular joint as well as the most effective TMJ treatment options for addressing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD).
Dr. Pamela Marzban
Fairfax, Virginia neuromuscular dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban received her postgraduate training at LVI. There she learned through comprehensive and demanding classroom time, and hands-on experience the best ways to provide relief from TMD.
When you come to Dr. Marzban for your biannual cleanings and examinations, she uses this knowledge and experience to detect even the slightest indications of TMD. This allows her to provide prompt TMJ treatment and prevent serious issues such as postural problems and chronic headaches before they arise.
If you suffer from symptoms of TMD, Dr. Marzban can apply her LVI training to determine the most effective way to eliminate your discomfort and restore proper alignment to your jaw. Her training at LVI makes Dr. Marzban uniquely qualified to handle even advanced cases of this disorder.
If you are suffering from TMD in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule an appointment with our LVI trained neuromuscular dentist today.
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April 20th, 2012
The temporomandibular joint is the joint the controls all movement in your jaw. Surrounded and supported by an intricate system of muscles and nerves, misalignment of this joint is a common cause of severe facial and head pain.
TMD
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD) is the name given to any number of problems that can affect the proper alignment and function of your jaw. Burke, Virginia TMJ dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban has years of experience detecting TMD and providing TMJ treatment to address this common disorder and restore complete comfort.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Limited jaw mobility
- Swelling or pain in and around the jaw
- Ear pain without infection
- Chronic headaches
Left untreated, TMD can lead to postural problems which can affect the head, neck, and body, making prompt treatment for TMD incredibly important to ensure overall systemic health. During your regularly scheduled cleanings and examinations with Dr. Marzban, your temporomandibular joint disorder will be thoroughly evaluated to help detect problems before serious issues arise.
If you live in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia and would like more information on TMJ or TMD, please contactDr. Pamela Marzban to schedule a neuromuscular consultation today.
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April 16th, 2012
The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve. The three branches of the trigeminal nerve are ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular. These branches run throughout your face and head to relay sensations from your mouth, teeth, and face to your brain. It also controls the muscles used for chewing.
Running through your jaw, pressure from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) will adversely impact sensations throughout your trigeminal nerve, sending signals of distress and pain to your brain and resulting in terrible discomfort. Burke, Virginia neuromuscular dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban can relieve this pain with TMJ treatment, restoring alignment to your jaw and eliminating pressure on this sensitive nerve.
Restoring Comfort
Dr. Marzban trained in neuromuscular dentistry at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. There, she learned the workings of the trigeminal nerve and the best methods to relieve pressure and restore comfort to people suffering from TMD.
While TMD originates in your jaw, the trigeminal nerve can cause pain from the jaw to be experienced in every area of your face and head. Only through a combined neuromuscular dentistry approach can pressure on this nerve be released and comfort fully restored.
If you are suffering from facial or jaw pain in the areas of Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule a TMJ evaluation today.
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April 11th, 2012
What is Xerostomia?
Xerostomia is a condition related to the salivary glands, which help keep the mouth moist, thus preventing decay and other oral health problems. When the salivary glands do not work properly, the amount of saliva in the mouth decreases, resulting in Xerostomia—or, as it’s more commonly known, dry mouth.
What causes dry mouth?
Prescription and over-the counter medication are the most common cause of dry mouth. There are more than 400 medications that can contribute to mouth dryness, including antihypertensive, antidepressants, painkiller, tranquilizers, diuretics, and antihistamines.
Dry mouth also can be caused by radiation therapy and chemotherapy, hormonal alterations, or diseases, such as diabetes, lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, and kidney disease. Other contributing factors include stress, anxiety, depression, nutritional deficiencies, and dysfunction of the immune system, as is seen in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
How important is saliva?
Saliva is vital to everyday processes such as tasting, swallowing, speaking, and digesting. Saliva is a natural defense for teeth. The higher the salivary flow rate, the better the oral clearance capacity. Saliva also provides the balance between demineralization and remineralization. Without saliva, teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay and bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Human saliva is composed mostly of water but also includes electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds, and various enzymes.The components of saliva play a major role in keeping your mouth healthy by rinsing away food particles, neutralizing harmful acids, and providing enzymes to help digest food.
What are the signs and symptoms of dry mouth?
Symptoms of dry mouth may include the following:
- Increased need to sip or drink fluids when swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- A burning sensation or soreness in the mouth
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Diminished or altered sense of taste
- Increased susceptibility to oral infection
- Sleep interruption due to thirst
- Difficulty wearing dentures
- Tooth decay
- Gingivitis
- Stale or bad breath
- What can you do to tip the scale back towards a balanced mouth?
If you exhibit any of the symptoms of dry mouth, it’s important to let me know so that I can properly evaluate and diagnose the condition. A variety of methods are available to help you manage dry mouth. I recommend using saliva substitutes and over-the-counter mouthwashes, gels, and sprays. To ease discomfort, I recommend brushing and flossing twice a day, chewing sugarless gum, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining regular dental visits. In addition, I suggest that you change your diet, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, smoking, citrus juices, dry foods, and overly salty foods.
Have a great spring!
Posted in General Dentistry, gum disease, Newsletter | Comments Off
April 11th, 2012
Neuromuscular science focuses on nerves, muscles, and the relationship between the two. A neuromuscular approach to TMJ treatment is a comprehensive approach that looks not only at the proper alignment of the jaw, but also the optimal functioning of nerves and muscles.
There are several approaches that can be taken to address TMJ problems. Many of these approaches, such as medications, treat symptoms but not the underlying issue. Due to this, the root cause of your TMD will remain untreated, allowing it to reappear in the future. TMJ treatment from Burke, Virginia neuromuscular dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban will address the underlying problem, providing you long-term relief from this common disorder.
Neuromuscular TMJ Treatment
Dr. Marzban approaches each TMJ treatment as a unique case. Working with you on an individual basis, she can use a combined approach that addresses your specific needs. Common neuromuscular treatments for TMJ include:
- Customized mouthguards
- Oral splints
- Electrical stimulation with a TENS unit
- Restorative services such as porcelain veneers and crowns
- Invisalign®
Combining these things with easy exercises and medication when necessary, Dr. Marzaban’s neuromuscular approach to TMJ treatment can help provide comfort and function for years to come.
If you are suffering from TMD in or around Burke, Fairfax, or Fairfax Station, Virginia, please contact Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule a neuromuscular dental consultation today.
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March 22nd, 2012
Porcelain veneers are a beautiful and long-lasting method for treating a wide variety of minor cosmetic dentistry problems including:
- Stained teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Gap teeth
Because Fairfax, Virginia, cosmetic dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban custom creates each porcelain veneer to your unique needs, we offer the following tips to help you prepare for your porcelain veneers consultation to help ensure you achieve the smile of your dreams:
- Schedule between one and two hours for your porcelain veneers consultation
- Be prepared to discuss aspects of your teeth such as color, shape and alignment
- Bring photos or clippings of smiles you find attractive
- Make a list of any questions you might have about the porcelain veneers process
During your consultation, Dr. Marzban will discuss the benefits and limitations of porcelain veneers to help you set realistic expectations for the look you can achieve. Dr. Marzban will also explain the porcelain veneers placement procedure in detail.
For examples of patients who have discovered a vibrant, natural-looking smile through the use of porcelain veneers, please visit our Cosmetic Dentistry Gallery.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers and whether porcelain veneers are right for you, please contact Fairfax, Virginia, cosmetic dentist Dr. Pamela Marzban to schedule your personal consultation. We welcome patients from the Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station, Virginia, and Washington DC areas.
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