TMJ Surgery Cost

The overall cost of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery can vary widely depending on the severity of the case and what is causing your pain. Overall patients can expect to pay between $5,000 and $50,000.

Factors Affecting The Cost Of TMJ Surgery

A few factors that will affect the cost of your TMJ treatment include the cause of your pain, the type of treatment you are to receive, and the expertise of your doctor.

• The cause of your TMJ pain can determine what type of treatment will benefit you the most. TMJ pain can drive from stress, a bad bite, or bruxism (nightly grinding and clenching).
• The type of treatment that is prescribed to you to alleviate TMJ pain can range from a simple night guard which costs between $200 and $600 all the way up to corrective jaw surgery which can run upwards of $50,000.
• The training of your doctor is another big factor that will affect your cost of treatment. Specialists usually cost more than general doctors and the same is true with TMJ treatment.

Why does the cost of treatment vary so widely?

Non-invasive treatments are significantly less expensive than treatments that require surgery. Smaller cases of TMJ pain that derive from stress and/or bruxism may be able to be treated with a simple occlusal guard and/or medication. Some patients can also benefit from a low-dose antidepressant that helps relax the muscles in the jaw and aid and sleep.

Other more severe cases could require corrective jaw surgery and full mouth reconstruction. Anatomical problems such as a bad bite can lead to extreme TMJ discomfort. This could require orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery.

What payment options are available?

Every office will have its own financial policy so it is important to discuss that with the office before proceeding with treatment. They may offer in-house financing that you can take it vantage of or they may also use a third-party financing company such as CareCredit.

It is worth looking into your medical insurance as well as dental insurance to see if they may cover anything. Medical insurance might come in handy if you have to receive jaw surgery.

Going through TMJ treatment is definitely an investment in your overall health and quality-of-life. Without treatment, you may find yourself compromising to avoid pain. Patients who experience TMJ pain, clicking or popping at the joint, headaches, and earaches can improve their wellbeing with an evaluation with their dentist for TMJ problems.

The cost of your treatment may be daunting but your doctor may be able to help you with a payment plan that suits your financial abilities. Do not go untreated, at least speak with your doctor to see what options are available to you.

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