TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint pain can be more than just uncomfortable. Severe cases involve tightening of the jaw muscles, making it difficult to open your mouth. When left untreated, TMJ can worsen and cause intense pain in the jaw, cheeks, temples, and even ears.
Are you in need of TMJ treatment and wondering what the cost will be? The exact cost is difficult to estimate because each case is different. The following factors will determine what you will pay for TMJ treatment.
Your Symptoms and the Required Treatment
The severity of your case and the treatment required to correct it will have a significant impact on the cost.
- Mild. Mild cases of TMJ can sometimes be relieved through self-care at home, such as applying ice or a cold compress to the area, eating soft foods, and being careful to avoid wide jaw opening.
- Moderate. If your symptoms are a bit more severe, anti-inflammatory medications, botox injections, or stabilization splints may be used to relax the jaw muscles and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Severe. Severe cases may require surgery. One type of surgery used to correct TMJ is jaw joint replacement surgery.
The more severe your symptoms, the more extreme the measures will be to correct the problem. There is a direct correlation between the type of treatment and the cost. Mild cases will cost little to nothing to correct. Moderate cases may cost a bit more, and severe cases will cost the most because there is surgery involved.
Resulting Damage to Your Teeth and Treatment Required
TMJ can cause damage to your teeth. The results of clenching or grinding your teeth can wear them down or result in cracked, chipped, or broken teeth. Some teeth may need crowns or other restorative procedures. This will add to the total cost of TMJ treatment.
Your Dentist’s Level of Experience
For effective TMJ treatment, you need a dentist who has the training and experience to handle your case. A more experienced dentist may cost more, but the results are worth it. Whether your case is mild or severe enough to require surgery, you want a dentist with the expertise to correct your TMJ and help prevent it from relapsing.
Your Dental and Medical Insurance
It can be difficult to get insurance coverage for TMJ disorders. Dental insurance providers often categorize it as medical, and medical insurance providers often categorize it as dental. It seems insurance companies don’t want to take the financial responsibility for the treatment of this condition, and therefore it mostly falls to the patient. Check with both your medical and dental insurance providers before starting treatment to see what, if any, treatments or procedures may be covered.
Financing Can Make the Cost More Affordable
If the cost of TMJ treatment is more than you can pay out of pocket, consider financing. CareCredit is one option for financing medical expenses that usually offers zero interest for the first 12 months. Financing allows you to spread the cost out over time so that you pay it off gradually with affordable monthly payments. Don’t avoid treatment for your TMJ simply because of the cost. The condition will most likely worsen, which will only raise the cost of treatment.
Barkoff Dental Provides Effective TMJ Treatment
If you’re looking for a dentist in Syosset, NY that treats TMJ, Barkoff Dental can help. Treatment of TMJ disorders is one of our specialties. During your initial consultation we will assess the severity of your condition and create an effective treatment plan to relieve your pain and restore proper movement to your jaw. We will work with your insurance provider and discuss financing options with you to make your treatment affordable.
Call 516-921-1133 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping relieve your pain and other symptoms related to TMJ so that you can resume your normal lifestyle.