TMJ Treatment Cost

Because there are several causes of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorder, the tests required to determine the cause(s) and corresponding treatment(s) for each patient's condition will vary. The cost of TMJ treatment will also vary, according to the treatment(s) needed. Since TMJ is a disorder of the jaw that has medical symptoms, dental and medical insurance may be very particular as to what treatments they will cover, if any. Dental insurance often excludes those procedures that fall outside of the realm of general dentistry, including orthodontic procedures. Since medical insurers may regard some TMJ treatments as belonging to the realm of dentistry, however, they may exclude them from coverage.

TMJ Treatment Pricing Breakdown

TMJ treatment costs depend on several factors, including the type of treatment necessary, the branch of dentistry that deals with that particular type of treatment, the dentist's experience, and his or her location. Prescribed treatments may include the following:

TMJ Mouth Guards

Prescribed by a dentist, a TMJ mouth guard, or stabilization splint, will cost anywhere between $200 and $1,000, depending on the dentist and the type of material and treatment methods used.

TMJ Bite Therapy

If the position of a patient's jaw is determined to be the cause of his or her TMJ, a number of options can be used to establish an optimal bite. Since TMJ bite therapy may encompass a number of procedures, such as orthodontics or dental crowns, the cost will depend on the treatments involved.

TMJ Surgery

When mouth guards and bite therapy cannot provide relief from the symptoms of TMJ, surgery might be a solution. Surgery options range from minimally invasive to open surgery:

• Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing fluid from the temporomandibular joint.
• Arthroplasty encompasses all of the different types of open surgeries for TMJ, including disk repositioning, discectomy, and joint replacement.

The cost of TMJ surgery varies dramatically according to the procedure and practitioner and can range anywhere from $300 for a minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure to $50,000 for a complex procedure.

TMJ Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used as an alternative treatment for TMJ. Depending on the doctor and the number of injections needed, TMJ treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic ranges between $1,000 and $1,500 and may be recommended every three to four months.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Dentist

The complexity involved in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ requires the utmost skill and experience. DocShop.com is an invaluable resource that can make your search for an experienced medical or dental professional easier. If you have TMJ and want to learn more about your treatment options, visit our directory to locate a TMJ/Neuromuscular dentist in your area.