Cost of TMJ Treatment - 2024 Healthcare Costs

Typical costs:

For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of doctor visit copays, prescription drug copays or coinsurance of 10%-50%. In some cases, health insurance plans and dental insurance plans do not cover TMJ treatment. For example, most Aetna[1] HMO plans exclude it, and the plans that do cover it have restrictions and require requests for surgery to be approved by the insurer's oral and maxillofacial surgery patient management unit. Some states require coverage or require that insurance companies offer the option of coverage. The TMJ Association offers a list of state insurance requirements[2] .
For patients not covered by health insurance, treatment for TMJ can cost less than $500 for rest, pain relievers and cold therapy; it can cost $50-$300 per session -- or up to several hundred dollars or more -- for physical therapy; and it can cost up to $2,000 or more for a stabilization splint. Surgery typically is not recommended, but can range from more than $5,000-$7,000 or more for arthroscopy to about $40,000-$70,000 or more for total joint replacement.
For example, Drugstore.com charges about $10-$12 for a one-month supply of a generic tricyclic antidepressant such as nortriptyline[3] or amitriptyline, which are sometime prescribed to relieve chronic pain. And Drugstore.com charges $6-$60 for cold therapy wraps[4] . Physical therapy typically costs from $50-$350 per session. And, according to the TMJ Association[5] , a stabilization splint can cost up to several thousand dollars, including the exam and fitting. Patients at HealthBoards.com[6] report costs of $1,800-$2,000 for splints/orthotics.
Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[7] in Nebraska charges about $5,300 for arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint, not including doctor fee; it can be used to detect underlying problems, remove scarring that might contribute to TMJ pain or repair damaged tissue. On the TMJ Association[8] website, patients report costs of more than $7,000 for arthroscopy. A patient at TMJ Talk[9] forum reports a total cost of $38,000 for a total joint replacement, while a patient on the TMJ Association[10] website reports a cost of $67,000.

What should be included:

According to the National Institutes of Health, a patient typically can relieve symptoms and manage (but not cure) the disorder by taking simple steps such as: temporarily eating only soft foods, using cold therapy, avoiding chewing gum and other extreme movements, and practicing stress reduction techniques and gentle stretching under the guidance of a doctor or physical therapist.
A doctor also can recommend over-the counter pain medication or prescribe stronger pain medication, muscle relaxants or tricyclic antidepressants[11] , which have been shown to relieve pain in some patients with TMJ.
A doctor might recommend a stabilization splint[12] , but, according to the National Institutes of Health, studies on effectiveness are inconclusive. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research offers an overview[13] of TMJ and treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health[14] , symptoms of TMJ often will go away over time on their own or with conservative treatment.

Related Costs: Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Dental Work

Additional costs:

Some patients seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture. According to the TMJ Association[15] , studies have not definitively shown that it works, but some patients report relief. Acupuncture typically costs about $50-$70 per session.

Discounts:

Many hospitals and doctors give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System[16] in California offers a 35% discount.

Shopping for tmj treatment:

A primary care physician can examine the patient, look for other causes of symptoms and make an initial TMJ diagnosis -- or refer the patient to a specialist. However, because the treatment of TMJ is not a recognized specialty by either the American Medical Association or American Dental Association, and because there is a lack of scientific research about the effectiveness of various treatments, the TMJ Association[17] recommends getting a confirmation of the diagnosis and several opinions before proceeding with any treatment.
According to the National Institutes of Health[18] , a patient might need to consult a primary care physician, a dentist and possibly an ENT specialist. The American Dental Association offers a dentist locator[19] ; the American Academy of Otolaryngology offers an ENT doctor finder[20] . According to the National Institutes of Health[21] , patients should be cautious about surgery or any other treatment that permanently alters the bite.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments TMJ Orthotic
Amount: $5,500.00
Posted by: Mr
From: DALLAS, TX
Posted On: September 20th, 2019 05:09PM
Medical Center: Beyond Dental

Dentist made a custom made mouth guard or Orthotic on my lower teeth. It is only supposed to provide temporary relieve about 3-6 months. I have been using it for 8 months with no pain relief. Dentist is out for a quick buck cause this is only phase 1. Phase 2 cost $5-10k and consist of crowns and braces. Insurance does not cover TMJ treatment.

TMJ Treatment plan
Amount: $5,000.00
Posted by: JimJ1s
From: Oakton, VA
Posted On: December 19th, 2018 07:12AM
Type of Treatment: Bite positioning orthodontia
Insurance Carrier: United Health Care
Medical Center: Softouch Dental Care

Computerized TENS bite position location and fashioning of lower jaw invisiline-like retainer.
Relief was almost immediate and has lasted now for 6 months. Permanent treatment alternatives: Braces: $15,000 or Full mouth tooth buildup to correct the bite: #50,000. Insurance does not cover ANY TMJ treatment.

So far so good...
Amount: $4,000.00
Posted by: Swirl
From: Saint Louis, MO
Posted On: February 1st, 2018 03:02PM
Type of Treatment: splint/braces
Insurance Carrier: Healthlink
Medical Center: Oral & Maxilliofacial Surgeon

I started my treatment in October. It is now February and I am ready for phase 2 of treatment. Phase one included an orthotic splint to alleviate my symptoms some (popping, locking, pain, and clicking). My insurance reimbursed me 75% of the first few months but is no longer going to cover the treatment. Phase 2 is going to cost me another $12,000 for braces (includes braces, adjustments, retainers, and all office visits) Is this reasonable?

TMJ treatment w GNM TMJ specialist
Amount: $7,500.00
Posted by: CaringMomma
From: Overland park, KS
Posted On: October 4th, 2017 02:10PM
Medical Center: Overland Park ks dental office

Jaw was completely locked shut - had seen a dentist for 8 mos stating braces would fix tmj - made it way worse! Now I have to take braces off after $5000 and 6mo in pallet expander and brackets and spacers only to drop another $7500 now on a specialist to do what dentist said he was doing. The $7500 is just Phase 1 of treatment (unlocking jaw, replacing, removing brackets, fitting a bite plate) Phase 2 is $10,000 and that's not including braces so my teeth will shift back!!!! This is a disaster, expensive and beyond frustrating! DO NOT ALLOW A DENTIST TO SAY BRACES WILL FIX TMJ!!!!

TMJ DISK REPLACEMENT RECOMMENDED
Amount: $3,000.00
Posted by: LOOKING FOR RELIEF W/O GOING BROKE
From: ROCKFORD, IL
Posted On: May 24th, 2017 06:05PM
Type of Treatment: DIAGNOSTIC
Insurance Carrier:
Medical Center: PRIVATE

THIS IS TOTAL CRAP. WHAT DO THEY WANT US TO DO LOOSE OUR BOTTOM JAW ALTOGETHER DUE TO SEVERE BRUXISM AND CLENCHING WITHOUT A DISK TO PROTECT THE CONDYL I MAY NOT HAVE A BOTTOM JAW IN A FEW YEARS. WE NEED TO FIGHT THESE INSURANCE COMPANY & THE AMA & ADA!!! ARE YOU WITH ME? I AM READY TO FIGHT FOR MY RIGHT TO GET RELIEF FROM ALL THE SYMPTOMS OF TMD!!

some drs are just out for a buck
Amount: $3,500.00
Posted by: a user in Reading, PA.Posted On: February 2nd, 2017 11:02AM
Medical Center: Center for Tmj and sleep dr tammy

The mouthguard she made me moved my jaw forward, but now it's too far forward. I did not get any pain relief from this, and my pain and other symptoms are worse than ever. She all but guaranteed me I would be better in a few months,but this whole ordeal has ruined my life! Do not get a repositioning mouthguard for gnu whatever u do!!

Day and night Bruxism splint
Amount: $950.00
Posted by: Missi Long
From: Boca Raton, FL
Posted On: October 3rd, 2015 02:10PM
Medical Center: Dentist

It's a splint that i can wear day and/or night but it won't hinder speech...
Purchased this year 2015 not 2014
My TMJ is on my right side only. Diagnosed with it 3 years ago. Lost hearing in my right ear, was referred by an ENT to a dentist who made this for me. NONE of it was covered by insurance. Total cost was $2500...

Two Arthroplasties done one year apart versus bilateral in one procedure
Amount: $110,000.00
Posted by: Catmeow
From: Philadelphia, PA
Posted On: July 20th, 2015 02:07PM
Medical Center: University of Pennsvania Medical Center

Two surgeries, billed arthroplasty with meniscectomy, one year apart roughly equating to 50,000 each. Both included the procedure, anesthesiologist services one overnight stay, and pain management.

TMJ Trmnt cost
Amount: $3,500.00
Posted by: Jen1
From: Sterling, VA
Posted On: December 20th, 2014 08:12AM

Got an orthodontist quote of trmt plan & cost for TMJ issues to fix, $3500,(fitted splint for bottom row), prior to correcting bite due to jaw bone loss due to BONIVA/osteoporosis meds. This trmt will be $5,000+ (In addition to the $3500....)

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TMJ Treatment Cost

How Much Does TMJ Treatment Cost?

	With Health Insurance: Copays or 10%-50% Coinsurance
	Without Health Insurance: $2,000-$70,000+