The Cost of TMJ Surgery
by Dr. Scott Bolding
Table of Contents
01. Factors Affecting the Cost of TMJ Surgery
02. Will Insurance Cover the Cost of TMJ Surgery?
03. Payment Options
Please note that we will not be giving too many specific numbers because the cost will vary from state to state, surgeon to surgeon. We simply want to give you an idea of the reasons behind the cost of TMJ surgery, how insurance works, and what to do if insurance won’t cover your procedure. You can use this information to discuss your options with your oral surgeon.
Factors Affecting the Cost TMJ Surgery
As we’ve already mentioned, there is no set cost for TMJ surgery. The cost will depend on your unique case as well as a few other factors.
The type of TMJ surgery you get will be one of the biggest factors affecting the cost of your surgery. The more invasive the procedure, the more expensive it will be. Minimally invasive surgeries, like arthroscopy or arthrocentesis, usually only cost a few hundred dollars. Open joint surgery is usually more invasive and can cost several thousand dollars, depending on what needs to be done to your joint.
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Will Insurance Cover the Cost of TMJ Surgery?
Unfortunately, most insurance companies don’t cover TMJ treatment, unless it’s mandated by the state. Jaw surgery, in general, is usually seen as cosmetic rather than medically necessary. Occasionally, an insurance company may have a clause for TMJ treatment, but there will be limitations on the dollar amount and exclusions for certain types of surgery.
Insurance companies that don’t cover TMJ surgery often argue that there is little evidence that surgery will be effective for a patient. However, the success rate for the different types of TMJ surgeries are extremely high. TMJ arthroscopy, arthrocentesis, and open joint surgery have success rates of 80-90%. For patients who haven’t been able to find relief with non-surgical options, TMJ surgery has been proven to be the only way for them to find permanent relief.
Payment Options
If insurance doesn’t work out, there are still ways to pay for the cost of TMJ surgery. Make sure to talk to your surgeon, and they will help you figure something out. They know how frustrating TMJ pain can be and they want to help you find relief. They also have lots of experience helping patients figure out a way to pay for their procedures.
Cash Discounts: Some oral surgeons offer significant cash discounts. However, this may not apply to every procedure. But it’s something you should at least ask about.
Payment Plans: Payment plans are one of the most common ways to pay for the cost of TMJ surgery. Your surgeon will be able to work out a plan that fits your budget. This will make the payment easier to manage.
Dental Discounts: Also known as dental savings plans, dental discounts involve paying a monthly fee in order to receive discounts for dental care. This can help cut the cost of TMJ surgery. It’s important to note that this option is limited in that there are a select number of providers who participate in the program.
Healthcare Credit Cards: Healthcare credit cards can only be used to pay for medical treatments. Not every healthcare provider accepts them, and they don’t always cover every procedure. So, you will need to check with your surgeon to see if this is an option to cover the cost of TMJ surgery.
Is TMJ Surgery Worth the Cost?
When deciding whether or not to move forward with TMJ surgery, you need to consider if it’s worth the cost. As we’ve mentioned before, not all TMJ disorders need surgery. If your TMJ pain is mild and can be managed without surgery, then you don’t have to worry about surgery costs. However, there are times when surgery is the only way to relieve your pain and help you get back to a normal life.
Always talk to your surgeon about your payment options for TMJ surgery. They want you to find freedom from your TMJ pain and will be more than happy to discuss your options with you. If you have more questions about TMJ surgery or are ready to take the next step, contact us today so we can set up a consultation.