I suspect I have TMJ Disorder. My jaw hurts and I have terrible headaches. I’m hoping because it causes medical problems my medical insurance will cover it. Do I have a shot at that?
Pamela
Dear Pamela,
You would think that medical issues should get attention from medical insurance, but they won’t actually help with TMJ Disorder. Generally, and by generally I mean always, medical insurance will have a clause somewhere that eliminates anything requiring dental treatment.
Sadly, dental insurance is not likely to be any more help. However, most dentists will allow you to work out payments. If they don’t offer in-office payment plans, almost every dentist will work with Care Credit.
Does TMJ Cause Headaches?
If it turns out your jaw pain is from TMJ disorder, then your headaches likely are too. In fact, they’ve also been known to be a cause of migraines as well.
You’ll want to see a dentist who treats TMJ. Though, ask them to start with the most conservative treatment. You don’t want someone who jumps straight to a full-mouth reconstruction. Sometimes a simple orthotic worn temporarily is all that is necessary. That’s often the solution if the cause of your TMJ is either grinding or clenching your teeth.
Another cause of TMJ problems is poorly done dental work. That’s often why people who go for the “cheapest” dentists end up spending a lot more money than if they’d just gone to a skilled dentist, to begin with. We see this quite a bit with improperly placed dental crowns.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.