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Insurance coverage for TMJ treatment

Posted on by smiles4u.

Is a TMJ specialist covered by my insurance?  — Marcus

Marcus,
When you’re in pain, it’s unfortunate that most of us have to worry about how cost will dictate a method of treatment, or if you even decide to get specialized treatment. If it was simple, we would all just be able to see who we want and be on the road to a pain free life. But, it’s not that simple.  And, if you have seen many TMJ “specialists” in the past, it’s important to remember that while those doctors may market themselves that way, there really is not a true, recognized TMJ specialty.

There are many types of recommended treatment. Conservative methods such as relaxation techniques, medications, or night guards are more common with many dentists and much more widely accepted when it comes to insurance (night guards are covered with a report by the dentist saying it’s for Bruxism, or grinding). On the other end of the spectrum, there are dentists who call themselves “neuromuscular dentists” (usually LVI trained) who skip the night guard all together and go for Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) which uses a low-level electrical current to relax facial muscles in combination with an orthotic device to find the optimal position for your jaw, by detecting your malocclusion and then making a treatment plan to correct your bite. Plan to pay out of pocket a least a few thousand dollars for this because it is not a covered benefit. Then there is bite correction. Crowns, composites, and possibly orthodontics can be recommended for that. You’ll pay at least 50% of crown work and orthodontics, if you have coverage for that.

Always check your coverage before undergoing any TMJ treatment because most insurance plans do not have TMJ coverage. Paying more doesn’t always mean that you will get better results, so first try more conservative treatments and make some changes in your diet, exercise and stress relief. All those things can make a measurable difference and you definitely don’t need insurance for that.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Is tooth pain caused from grinding my teeth or something else?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’m a teeth grinder at night. I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember, but up until now everything has been fine with my teeth (at my check-up and cleaning several months ago there were no issues).  But something has changed in the last month or so and I am noticing a dull pain (almost like a pulling sensation) in my lower back teeth. It doesn’t last for long periods of time, but it comes and goes on both sides. I thought maybe it could be a cavity, but I’ve never had one before so don’t know what kind of pain is associated with them. I am also concerned that it could it be related to grinding and clenching my teeth? What should I do?  — Marissa

Marissa,
If you grind your teeth, everything is not fine. It’s hard to say what exactly is causing this pain you are experiencing without seeing x-rays or examining your mouth. What is concerning is it sounds like your recent check-up and examination with your dentist may not have been very thorough. Unfortunately, there are many dentists who are just looking for the obvious issues like cavities, fillings, etc. There are other important things they should be looking for during this examination such as TMJ symptoms or periodontal disease.

As for the pain you are experiencing, it does not seem consistent with a cavity. It could be from gum disease or a result of your teeth grinding. But to be sure, you need to get a proper diagnosis. If it’s grinding, you could get a night guard. If it’s something more serious, you need to start treatment right away.  A second opinion from someone other than your regular dentist might be in order.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Are numb fingers a symptom of TMJ?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I grind my teeth and I know that it is the main reason for most of my TMJ problems. I’ve had symptoms such as facial pain, stiff jaw, and ringing in my ear, so I sought treatment and did splint therapy to help. Recently, I’ve noticed numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling in a few fingers – almost as if they are asleep. Someone told me that is another symptom of TMJ, but I guess I don’t get how they are connected. Right now, I have literally no TMJ pain. Are my numb fingers a new symptom? — Mike in Florida

Dear Mike,
What you are experiencing with your fingers could no doubt be connected to your TMJ and about half of all TMJ patients also experience it. You may be wondering how it is connected, but think about it… when your bite is misaligned (as in the case of a TMJ patient), your muscles can spasm. A misaligned jaw can cause problems down through all your extremities because all of our muscles are connected. When you have spasms in your face, shoulders, or neck from TMJ, it can pinch nerves and affect the arms and fingers periodically with sensations of numbness or tingling. This can happen even if you are not experiencing any of your other normal TMJ symptoms. You should make an appointment you’re your doctor to discuss this new symptom so he can evaluate your situation.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Can I find more affordable dental implants?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have several missing teeth and I refuse to smile anymore because I am so embarrassed about how I look. I want to get implants, but the dentist I recently visited quoted me $5000. That is so much more than I was expecting and I really don’t think I can afford it. Is it possible to find a dentist who will do implants at a more affordable cost?  — Mary

Mary,
There’s no doubt that $5000 is a lot of money, but it will certainly be very difficult to find another dentist who will make implants more affordable than the quote you were given. In fact, it almost sound too good to be true, and here’s why…

Dental implants are a two-stage process: 1) the surgical placement of the posts, and 2) placing the top of the tooth (crown) to the implant once is has fully integrated with your jawbone. While there will be some variation in cost depending on the quality of the materials, the expertise of your dentist and even where you live, you should expect to pay (at minimum) $1,000 per tooth being replaced for each stage. When you do the math for three teeth, that’s a cost of at least $6000. But consider this: some dentists can run as high as $2500 per tooth for each stage for a total of $15,000.

The first thing you need to do is verify with this dentist that the quote you were given is your total out-of-pocket expense for all procedures and materials. And make sure that he is doing three full, traditional dental implants. It could be that he is quoting you something else – like a bridge, a partial or even mini implants. Being fully prepared and informed means there will be no unpleasant surprises in the end.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about  why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Can Invisalign cause TMJ?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I am well into my Invisalign treatment. Since starting my sixth tray, I’ve been having severe headaches as well as pain in my jaw and the side  of my face. I’ve also noticed that I can’t open my mouth all the way. Could I have developed TMJ and do you think Invisalign is what is causing it?  — Sarah in Arkansas

Sarah,
TMJ can be caused by several things (genetics, bad habits or bite problems, etc). TMJ dysfunction can result from teeth movement if the TMJ’s are not functioning properly to begin with,  however, Invisalign treatment or orthodontics in general is probably not a main cause of the disorder. Talk with your dentist about what you are experiencing because he will probably want to stop treatment and focus on trying to determine what is causing the discomfort and also re-evaluate if you should continue with the Invisalign treatment. Because Invisalign changes your bite, it could be making the TMJ dysfunction worse and that is why the manufacturers of Invisalign have strict recommendations when it comes to TMD patients. While the aligners may not be specifically “causing” TMJ, it may be bringing an issue to the forefront that your dentist did not know about or diagnose before starting your treatment. It’s important to address the TMD first before continuing on with Invisalign.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Do I Need Full-Mouth Reconstruction to Fix My TMJ Disorder?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I was visiting my hygienist and we were chatting as usual. I happened to mention that I had been suffering from a lot of headaches over the past few months. I wasn’t looking for help with them, just talking.

Well, she goes and tells the dentist what I said and, next thing I know, he’s messing with my jaw. He said he feels certain that I have a TMJ disorder and that I need full-mouth reconstruction to fix it. I was beside myself. I’ve never even heard of something like that. Then, to make matters worse, the assistant brings me in an estimate and says my insurance probably won’t cover this so-called necessary treatment and that to cure my headaches, I’ll have to pony up more than I make in a year. It sounds like snake-oil to me. Is there any truth at all to this or is he just trying to make a quick buck? —  Monica in Alabama

Monica,
In all fairness, your hygienist has a responsibility to let the doctor know any medially-relevant information that you tell her, even if it’s only in conversation. In this respect, she was no-doubt looking out for your best interests. Moreover, headaches are indeed a symptom of TMJ disorders, so they were spot-on with that as well.

It doesn’t sound like they took the time to explain why you received the diagnosis, though. A TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joint isn’t working properly. That’s your jawbone. Most commonly, people begin to experience pain in the jawbone as a result of grinding or clenching. Sometimes they do it while they sleep, so they’re not even aware of their habit. Other times, people clench while agitated and don’t realize it. Malalignment can also cause issues, too. Any of these things can affect the wear on your teeth and cause pain throughout your mouth, jaw, head and neck. If left untreated, a lot of damage can be caused, and it becomes more difficult to manage.

Typically, a full-mouth reconstruction is needed when the problem has been on-going. Doctors usually try to treat TMJ disorders conservatively at first, perhaps with a bite splint to wear overnight. However, we also don’t know the root cause of your issue, nor do we know the extent of the damage, so it’s impossible to say whether full-mouth reconstruction is warranted.

Technically, there are no TMJ specialists. Nevertheless, you can find a dentist in your area who has spent extra time studying conditions related to it. If your treatment plan and estimate sound excessive, there’s a very good chance you’re right. Find another doctor who has the additional training and experience needed to provide you with a solid second opinion.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

 

I’m ready to say goodbye to my gap… what are my options?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve had a gap between my front teeth for as long as I can remember. I’ll be turning 40 soon and I’d like to start this next phase of my life by getting it fixed. My dentist recommended braces, but I’d like to explore other options that might not take as long to see a result. His other option was porcelain veneers, which seemed ok at first, but now that I have learned more about the procedure, I am not sure about having my teeth shaved down. So now I am back to braces unless there is another alternative. Can you help?  — Felicia in Arkansas

Felicia,
Kudos to you for reaching such a milestone and wanting to look and feel fabulous. The good news is that you have a couple other choices in addition to the two your dentist mentioned that will get you the result you desire:

  • Bonding – If you’re simply looking to fill in a small gap (and your dentist is skilled in bonding) he can add a tooth-colored material to either side to fill it in. Bonding is less invasive and requires less tooth preparation than veneers.
  • Six Month Smiles – This procedure utilizes clear braces to correct aesthetic issues, often producing results in as little as four months. It’s a great choice if you only need to correct the appearance of your teeth and don’t need any adjustments to your bite. While they are a great alternative to traditional braces, many dentists are not experienced with Six Month Smiles. You may have to search for an experienced dentist and they will have to evaluate whether or not you are even a candidate.

Definitely do your research and don’t be afraid to seek out a second opinion when considering all your options. Regardless of what method you choose, you’ll get beautiful results. However, Six Month Smiles will be the least-invasive – and quickest way to help you achieve that “fabulous at 40” smile!

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

What can I do to make implants more affordable?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I don’t have dental insurance, so haven’t been to the dentist in a long time. I finally had to break down and go because of a tooth that has been causing all sorts of problems. My dentist wants to remove the tooth and place an implant. I really want to do this so my tooth will stop hurting, but I can’t afford the cost of the implant. I’m considering purchasing one of those online discount insurance plans. Will it help pay for some of the implant?  — Mark in Idaho

Mark,
Even if you have a traditional dental insurance plan, most don’t guarantee any coverage for dental implants. Before you definitely decide to purchase a discount insurance plan, make certain that your dentist is in the network and they will abide by the fees listed in the plan. Get online and check the fee list (the discounted cost of treatment you will be paying for) or call and ask if a treatment is covered.  It could be that the implant surgery itself may not be covered, the restorative phase is. This will reduce your out of pocket cost for the implant, plus, you’ll reap the benefits of savings on other dental coverages.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

I think I developed TMJ after getting a crown

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently had a crown placed on one of my molars. It was a very long process from prep appointment to when the crown was cemented. I spent a lot of time in the dental chair with my mouth wide open and now my bite doesn’t feel right. I’ve been having headaches, stiffness in my jaw and pain in my face. I’ve researched my symptoms and they sound a lot like TMJ. Could getting the crown have started this? — Steve in Montana

Steve,
There are several things that can create joint/muscle symptoms, and that includes a poorly fitted crown or other dental restorations. Even if your dentist says your crown is properly fitted, it changes the bite and can cause TMJ (which is usually the result of malocclusion or the misalignment of teeth). Be sure to have your dentist check the tooth in question and do a complete bite evaluation. If he can make any slight adjustments, that may fix your problem. When your bite is even on both sides this keeps the disc of the jaw joint in a natural, comfortable position. It may not even be the restoration, but rather the amount of time you had to keep your mouth open during the appointments that put strain on the muscles and disc in the joint.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

I’ve had it with dentures that don’t fit!

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve had my dentures now for about two years and I am just sick of them! Even when I have them adjusted by my dentist (which is quite frequently) my mouth is still sore and what’s even worse, I can hardly speak or eat. I’m ready to throw them in the garbage and just forget about them because I am pretty sure my dentist is tired of me complaining all the time. He told me that it won’t get any better and I should just get used to it. Do I really have to live with ill-fitting dentures for the rest of my life?  — Randy in Illinois

Randy,
It certainly is no fun to have dentures that interfere with your daily activities and affect your quality of life. There is a procedure that can help and it’s called “all-on-fours.” Your dentist may not have mentioned it to you because it’s a procedure he may not do.

All-on-fours are dental implants that help support your denture. If this is something that interests you, find a dentist who is knowledgeable in implant-supported dentures who can place four individual implants that will evenly distribute the pressure from the denture. All-on-fours are a long-term solution that will provide better security, restore your ability to talk and eat without the fear of your dentures falling out, and even better, they can stop or at least slow the jaw bone shrinkage that happens when you lose all your teeth.

Ask your dentist about all-on-fours. If he is unable to do them, he can refer you to a specialist who can help determine if they are right for you.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.