TMJ is a potentially debilitating jaw disorder. Although it may appear to be minor at first, if left untreated, it can progress to severe pain or even full jaw paralysis. Except in the eyes of insurance, it’s actually no different than other joint disorders from some perspectives.
The temporomandibular joint and related diseases are treated differently by insurance companies than other forms of joint ailments, and most insurance companies refuse to cover them unless the state requires it. Unfortunately, Colorado is not one of the states that requires TMJ therapy to be covered.
That isn’t to say that your insurance won’t cover TMJ therapy; it just means that it probably won’t.
Is TMJ considered a medical or dental condition?
Patients who experience clicking or popping in the temporomandibular joint may have TMJ disorder, which is a combination of jaw joint and facial muscle dysfunction. Patients who are feminine, suffer from stress or anxiety, or have other health issues that impact the muscles and joints may benefit from a consultation. Because TMJ might be caused by a medical issue, a dental issue, or a mix of the two, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the patient’s condition before developing a treatment strategy.
How much does it cost to fix a TMJ?
The total cost of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery varies greatly depending on the severity of the case and the source of your discomfort. Patients should anticipate to pay anything from $5,000 and $50,000 in total.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of TMJ Surgery
The reason of your pain, the sort of therapy you’ll receive, and your doctor’s skill are all factors that will influence the cost of your TMJ treatment.
- The reason of your TMJ pain will determine which treatment option is best for you. Stress, a poor bite, or bruxism can all cause TMJ pain (nightly grinding and clenching).
- Treatment for TMJ pain can range from a simple sleep guard, which costs between $200 and $600, to corrective jaw surgery, which can cost upwards of $50,000.
- Another important issue that will influence your treatment costs is your doctor’s training. Specialists are usually more expensive than general practitioners, and TMJ therapy is no exception.
Why does the cost of treatment vary so widely?
Non-invasive procedures are considerably less expensive than surgical treatments. Smaller cases of TMJ pain caused by stress and/or bruxism may be managed effectively with an occlusal guard and/or medicines. A low-dose antidepressant that relaxes the muscles in the jaw and aids sleep may also be beneficial to certain people.
In more extreme situations, corrective jaw surgery and full mouth reconstruction may be required. TMJ discomfort can be caused by anatomical issues such as a poor bite. This may necessitate jaw surgery or orthodontic treatment.
What payment options are available?
Every office has its unique financial policy, so it’s vital to talk about it with them before starting treatment. You may be able to take advantage of in-house financing, or they may employ a third-party financing firm like CareCredit.
It’s worth checking your medical and dental insurance policies to determine whether they’ll cover anything. If you need jaw surgery, medical insurance might come in helpful.
Treatment for TMJ is an excellent investment in your overall health and quality of life. You may find yourself compromising to avoid discomfort if you don’t get therapy. Patients who have TMJ pain, clicking or popping at the joint, headaches, or earaches can benefit from a TMJ evaluation with their dentist.
The expense of your treatment may seem prohibitive, but your doctor may be able to work out a payment plan that works for you. Do not go untreated; at the very least, consult with your doctor about your choices.
What kind of doctor do you need to see for TMJ?
You should see a dentist if you’re suffering from TMJ pain. Dentists are professionals who are trained in the anatomy of the jaw and the diagnosis of bite dysfunction. They don’t only fix your teeth.
What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
TMJ dysfunction might eventually lead to tinnitus or possibly irreversible hearing loss. Balance issues and persistent dizziness can also be caused by inner ear abnormalities. In the same way, untreated TMJ issues can impair vision. TMJ can potentially result in major jaw issues.
Does TMJ show up on xray?
To rule out other probable causes and assess whether you have a TMJ issue, they’ll utilize a series of easy tests and draw on years of experience testing for TMJ.
When your dentist does a TMJ condition screening, he or she will perform the following tests:
To test for tenderness and pain, your dentist will use their fingers to apply light pressure to the jaw and TMJ.
When you open and close your mouth, the dentist will listen for popping and clicking sounds.
Observation – your dentist will examine your mouth for evidence of teeth grinding, clenching, or misalignment. If they find indications of a TMJ condition, they’ll additionally use X-Rays.
Things You Can Look for on Your Own
How do you know when it’s time to see a dentist? What if the pain comes and goes, but not for long periods of time?
Here are some things to look for to see if you have TMJ condition and if you should see a dentist:
It’s a good idea to tell your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms, even if it’s only once in a while.
Will I have TMJ forever?
A TMJ issue occurs when the two joints that link the jawbone to the skull ache as a result of trauma, dislocation, or damage. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the name for this joint. Patients with TMJ suffer from mild to severe pain in the joint and have difficulty opening their mouths or even eating. Teeth grinding and clenching are two of the most common causes of TMJ pain.
However, this is not an incurable problem, and with the right treatment, TMJ pain can be permanently cured. To begin, you must cease grinding or clenching your teeth, as well as anything else that exerts pressure on the joint. You should also begin eating a soft diet to avoid putting too much strain on your teeth while biting down on something, as this places direct pressure on the TMJ.
Can TMJ affect your brain?
TMD, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, occurs when one or both of these joints become misaligned. TMD left untreated can cause memory loss because the misalignment of the jaw can cause persistent pain that affects various sections of the brain.