Yup. It’s not covered by health or dental, and it’s so unfair. Dental insurance is really just a discount program anyway, but it should absolutely be covered as a health condition.
My chart is marked that I'm allergic to nickel, and it's been in my chart for TWENTY YEARS, and my dental insurance still counts my non-metallic fillings as "cosmetic"
@@andreacook7431 Jeez…such BS. Also BS is that teeth restoration and treatment that prevents the loss of teeth (like fillings) is often coded as optional or cosmetic. How can the loss of teeth not be a primarily a health issue?!?!? Chewing food is an essential and integral part of a healthy digestive system.
I had TMJ, horrible paid. Consulted with a surgeon who estimated about $55k out of pocket to perform the procedure. I could not afford it and am so lucky because it made me wait. Eventually I was referred to an orthodontist who suggested something other than the TMJ surgery. Instead of cutting my skull one and resetting my jaw, he recommended a procedure to pull/push some of my teeth back into the gum. It's something they were already doing in Korea and I live in an area with many people from Korea. I went to a different orthodontist who recommended the same process instead of surgery. Anyone who is told surgery is the only way to address TMJ, keep looking.
I had TMJ and daily pain for years. I’m writing this even if it helps one other person. What fixed mine was reducing stress and Botox by my jaw from my TMJ dentist. The pain went away. I still have to manage my stress. I hope anyone who is in pain from TMJ feels better. I know it can take over your life. Talking and smiling and everything is a struggle. Definitely consult with a medical professional to help you and I hope there will be better treatments that are affordable for people because it’s a living nightmare with TMJ.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Are your condyles damaged by any chance? Mine has progressed to bone damage and the disc being "barely there anymore" because it was pushed forward and perforated. I spent so much money on splints, PRF injections, laser treatments, nothing worked and all of my doctors wound up just giving up or telling me not to worry about it. I have trigeminal neuralgia now, tinnitus, chronic headaches, ocular migraines, blind spots and visual disturbances, contant all day cracking, crunching, dull pain, and feeling of swelling and ear fullness, occasional dislocation, and now I started getting seizure like events constantly with severe neurological symptoms and periodic paralysis. I have hEDS, low bone density, had 5 ankle surgeries that kept failing (torn damaged ligaments and joints), dilated septum and difficulty breathing due to narrow/partially collapsed nasal passages, chronic bloating and abdominal distention/gasto problems. Been in the ER like 6 or 7 times over the last 4 months rushed in an ambulance with the seizures and loosing consciousness. Fractured my spine two years ago in a jiu-jitsu class and now have mild scoliosis and chronic pars fractures and daily pain to the right of my spine. The worst of the tmj pain and damage is on the right side. My ankle surgeries have also all been on the right side. I've been dxd with CFS and fibromyalgia. Off and on short term disability and intermittent FMLA leaves. Waiting for LTD through employment but hoping I can back to work soon. Going to see Dr. Eric Granquist in Philadelphia to consult with him. He may do surgery. I'm driving 6 hours to see him because I've exhausted options in PGH and others I can't get in with bc the medical system is so overrun here. Im so exhausted and so tired of people and doctors not believing me or dismissing me. It's beyond words at this point and I spend so much money and time trying to research, self treat, copays with doctors, physical therapy, etc. Ugh lol. I stay positive but there's only so much I can dissociate from.
@@lizderbnaturenerd I am sorry. Sounds like you have been though so much. I do not have any more cartilage in my jaw from my understanding, I hope this answers your question. I really hope this doctor helps you and provides you some much needed relief 💓
I have TMJ and I struggle with the popping, stiffness, and pain. I haven’t found a treatment that’s works but I will never do surgery. The best treatment, honestly, is to reduce stressors and reorient yourself to be more joyful. Being more happy reduced the stress on your jaw and may prevent you from clenching your teeth
Chiropractor find a good one that has knowledge about tmj and adjusting. I had issues with my jaw locking when yawning I had to press at my jaw joint to get my jaw to close but something still was not right. I ended up going to chiropractor and had several adjustments and it has helped a lot I have not had my jaw lock while yawning.
@@brandygoodloe7798 chiropractor is natural and no opioid addiction. I had issues after yawning it was bad to where my jaw was not right and was stiff. I had a couple visits with a chiropractor and so far so good no issues.
oh my gosh..........my heart goes out to this woman. I struggle with medical bills, but am not in pain currently. seeing this is really making me count my blessings. obvious point.......the healthcare industry.....and insurance..........such a mess.
I have the same issues with my jaw I waited more then 3 months to see a Dr once I see I am on a waiting list he is so busy is not many drs who does this injections to release the presure that this cause so I'm praying after the injections it'll be ok😢 I feel for this lady and hope she find her answers and someone help her
I got se excited to see a video on tmj. Ive had it forever, and am in pain every day, all day. Doctors say thats dentists problem but no dentists can help, so theres no help. Its so painful, cant chew, cant open my mouth wide, ear pain, neck pain, locked jaw, but theres no help anywhere!
I empathize so much! The ear and jaw pain is craaaaazzzzzy. Nobody understands when I say "my face hurts" so I pretend everything is just fine. God it's depressing!!! Hang in there, okay? Every time your face hurts, think of some Sadie chick all the way in NH who's sharing sympathy pains.❤❤
If you can afford $1K out of pocket about every 4 months for botox in your masseters, it really helps. I have to stop the botox treatments, though, due to cost.
I have TMJ and have been using a mouth guard at night for over a decade. It’s been working for me, for the most part. But my mouth guard is considered “cosmetic” and not covered by insurance.
It's key to have a night / mouth guard, but that doesn't necessarily fix it entirely. For example, I still get jaw tension even though the mouth guard prevents me from grinding my teeth. The only thing that prevents the pain for me is botox, which costs $1000 out of pocket approximately every 4 mos. I can't afford to do it anymore. Botox is covered as migraine treatment, but TMJ might as well be an imaginary little torture troll. There's a special place for the insurance company execs, etc. who make these poor coverage decisions.
Ive lived with TMJ for the last 15 years, never would i put myself from these things. Suck it up and deal with the pain it's just the way it is. It's a daily issue
How’s about a law that states your HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, get this…PROVIDES UOU HEALTHCARE!!! If you have pain ANYWHERE in your body, that should be covered. No questions asked. Insurance companies get to pick and choose which part if your body is covered, just like they do when a region of the country experiences more insurance claims than others. They just stop insuring there. It should be illegal for a company to deny the patient care!
Go to physical therapy! Physical therapy is a covered, conservative treatment option ans yes we are trained in TMJ disorders. We will never cut you open and are never going to cost you thousands!! I can't believe no where in this piece was PT mentioned. Idk if its bad journalism or bad advocacy by the APTA.
That’s what I’ve been doing since my jaw starting clicking earlier this year- granted my stressors haven’t gone down and I’m not the best at doing my at-home exercises, but I’m seeing improvements at only $30 per visit (which I understand can add up for many people, but it’s still a cheaper option than surgery)
I'm in that boat. TMJ specialists in my area are private pay. Every appointment, xray, massage, etc costs money. It leaves people, myself included, with a choice between crazy face, jaw, ear and neck pain or going broke to ease it. Unfortunately, I've stopped admitting my pain since nobody believes or sympathizes with "my face hurts".
I thought I had TMJ and went to a dentist who wanted to shave down my molars to improve my bite alignment. I thought that sounded terrible so I went to a different doctor who didn't even look into my mouth. When I described how my jaw locked up and was out of alignment so I couldn't chew without stabbing pain, he asked if I clench or grind my teeth. I said I don't think so but he persisted and asked me to open my jaw as wide as I could and wiggle my lower jaw around. Instantly the discomfort went away and he told me to keep stretching my mouth (like a yawn) throughout the day --- eventually all problems went away. Years later, whenever I notice my jaw is tense and not aligned when I try to bite, I just stretch and wiggle and press the joint of my jaw with my fingers until it goes back in place. I don't trust any doctor who just instantly tells me he wants to cut something. It's TENSION people - deal with what causes your tension !!!!!!
I had lock jaw. My jaw would pop and click all the time and I couldn't open my mouth al the way. One day, I forced my mouth open and the pop that resulted was audible, sounded like a gunshot in my head. The pain that followed was excruciating. However, once the throbbing stopped, I've never had TMJ again and I can open my mouth without obstruction. What if it's as simple as just getting the law to align again and you don't need surgery at all but just general anesthesia and a device to open the mouth up until the jaw pops back into joint (just a luddite's question)?
Everyone’s TMJ is different and I am not recommending this to anybody but after thousands of dollars of orthodontics and then a specialist for my daughter I found people recommending masseter Botox for migraines(The TMJ is a migraine trigger). I have the same issues as my daughter but I got her treated over me but I was the guniea pig with the Botox. It worked and we both do it now.
Patients instead Receive the care that is “best reimbursed” and once you open the jaw, “it is never the same”. Yeah, sounds like the story of our lives.
Educate yourselves, folks. Do the research, and always try the non-irreversible treatment options first, e.g., physio, before even considering something like surgery or injections. Anyone pushing for invasive treatment or else just wants your money.
In the US, be warned:
Most repair, therapeutic treatment,restoration or surgery is barely covered-even if youHAVE dental insurance.
It’s absolute BS.
Yup. It’s not covered by health or dental, and it’s so unfair. Dental insurance is really just a discount program anyway, but it should absolutely be covered as a health condition.
@@criticaloptimist
Exactly. Dental care IS health care.
My chart is marked that I'm allergic to nickel, and it's been in my chart for TWENTY YEARS, and my dental insurance still counts my non-metallic fillings as "cosmetic"
@@andreacook7431
Jeez…such BS.
Also BS is that teeth restoration and treatment that prevents the loss of teeth (like fillings) is often coded as optional or cosmetic.
How can the loss of teeth not be a primarily a health issue?!?!? Chewing food is an essential and integral part of a healthy digestive system.
I had TMJ, horrible paid. Consulted with a surgeon who estimated about $55k out of pocket to perform the procedure. I could not afford it and am so lucky because it made me wait. Eventually I was referred to an orthodontist who suggested something other than the TMJ surgery. Instead of cutting my skull one and resetting my jaw, he recommended a procedure to pull/push some of my teeth back into the gum. It's something they were already doing in Korea and I live in an area with many people from Korea. I went to a different orthodontist who recommended the same process instead of surgery. Anyone who is told surgery is the only way to address TMJ, keep looking.
This only happens in America. We have the worst health care system for medical coverage
Thats incorrect. 1000% percent.
"This only happens in America"
This has to be a joke right? 😂😂
I had TMJ and daily pain for years. I’m writing this even if it helps one other person. What fixed mine was reducing stress and Botox by my jaw from my TMJ dentist. The pain went away. I still have to manage my stress. I hope anyone who is in pain from TMJ feels better. I know it can take over your life. Talking and smiling and everything is a struggle. Definitely consult with a medical professional to help you and I hope there will be better treatments that are affordable for people because it’s a living nightmare with TMJ.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Are your condyles damaged by any chance? Mine has progressed to bone damage and the disc being "barely there anymore" because it was pushed forward and perforated. I spent so much money on splints, PRF injections, laser treatments, nothing worked and all of my doctors wound up just giving up or telling me not to worry about it. I have trigeminal neuralgia now, tinnitus, chronic headaches, ocular migraines, blind spots and visual disturbances, contant all day cracking, crunching, dull pain, and feeling of swelling and ear fullness, occasional dislocation, and now I started getting seizure like events constantly with severe neurological symptoms and periodic paralysis. I have hEDS, low bone density, had 5 ankle surgeries that kept failing (torn damaged ligaments and joints), dilated septum and difficulty breathing due to narrow/partially collapsed nasal passages, chronic bloating and abdominal distention/gasto problems. Been in the ER like 6 or 7 times over the last 4 months rushed in an ambulance with the seizures and loosing consciousness. Fractured my spine two years ago in a jiu-jitsu class and now have mild scoliosis and chronic pars fractures and daily pain to the right of my spine. The worst of the tmj pain and damage is on the right side. My ankle surgeries have also all been on the right side. I've been dxd with CFS and fibromyalgia. Off and on short term disability and intermittent FMLA leaves. Waiting for LTD through employment but hoping I can back to work soon.
Going to see Dr. Eric Granquist in Philadelphia to consult with him. He may do surgery. I'm driving 6 hours to see him because I've exhausted options in PGH and others I can't get in with bc the medical system is so overrun here.
Im so exhausted and so tired of people and doctors not believing me or dismissing me. It's beyond words at this point and I spend so much money and time trying to research, self treat, copays with doctors, physical therapy, etc.
Ugh lol. I stay positive but there's only so much I can dissociate from.
@@lizderbnaturenerd I am sorry. Sounds like you have been though so much. I do not have any more cartilage in my jaw from my understanding, I hope this answers your question. I really hope this doctor helps you and provides you some much needed relief 💓
I'm 38 and have had this since I was 10. Only thing that works is stress management, botox and a ton of Tylenol.
I have TMJ and I struggle with the popping, stiffness, and pain. I haven’t found a treatment that’s works but I will never do surgery. The best treatment, honestly, is to reduce stressors and reorient yourself to be more joyful. Being more happy reduced the stress on your jaw and may prevent you from clenching your teeth
my dentist told me to stop clenching my teeth. I did, and the pain went away, for free
Chiropractor find a good one that has knowledge about tmj and adjusting. I had issues with my jaw locking when yawning I had to press at my jaw joint to get my jaw to close but something still was not right. I ended up going to chiropractor and had several adjustments and it has helped a lot I have not had my jaw lock while yawning.
Reducing pain with opiates or klonopin has great results in tmjd
@@brandygoodloe7798 chiropractor is natural and no opioid addiction. I had issues after yawning it was bad to where my jaw was not right and was stiff. I had a couple visits with a chiropractor and so far so good no issues.
Poor lady. There are not many great doctors and dentists out there.
I pray she gets the help she needs.
oh my gosh..........my heart goes out to this woman. I struggle with medical bills, but am not in pain currently. seeing this is really making me count my blessings. obvious point.......the healthcare industry.....and insurance..........such a mess.
I have the same issues with my jaw I waited more then 3 months to see a Dr once I see I am on a waiting list he is so busy is not many drs who does this injections to release the presure that this cause so I'm praying after the injections it'll be ok😢 I feel for this lady and hope she find her answers and someone help her
I got se excited to see a video on tmj. Ive had it forever, and am in pain every day, all day. Doctors say thats dentists problem but no dentists can help, so theres no help. Its so painful, cant chew, cant open my mouth wide, ear pain, neck pain, locked jaw, but theres no help anywhere!
I empathize so much! The ear and jaw pain is craaaaazzzzzy. Nobody understands when I say "my face hurts" so I pretend everything is just fine. God it's depressing!!! Hang in there, okay? Every time your face hurts, think of some Sadie chick all the way in NH who's sharing sympathy pains.❤❤
If you can afford $1K out of pocket about every 4 months for botox in your masseters, it really helps. I have to stop the botox treatments, though, due to cost.
I have TMJ and have been using a mouth guard at night for over a decade. It’s been working for me, for the most part. But my mouth guard is considered “cosmetic” and not covered by insurance.
How about a mouth guard?
It's key to have a night / mouth guard, but that doesn't necessarily fix it entirely. For example, I still get jaw tension even though the mouth guard prevents me from grinding my teeth. The only thing that prevents the pain for me is botox, which costs $1000 out of pocket approximately every 4 mos. I can't afford to do it anymore. Botox is covered as migraine treatment, but TMJ might as well be an imaginary little torture troll. There's a special place for the insurance company execs, etc. who make these poor coverage decisions.
well duh we’ve tried that
There is no surgery, no device to correct it. Talk to a dental surgeon, not a dentist.
Ive lived with TMJ for the last 15 years, never would i put myself from these things. Suck it up and deal with the pain it's just the way it is. It's a daily issue
Why doesnt someone sue the insurance?
How’s about a law that states your HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, get this…PROVIDES UOU HEALTHCARE!!!
If you have pain ANYWHERE in your body, that should be covered. No questions asked.
Insurance companies get to pick and choose which part if your body is covered, just like they do when a region of the country experiences more insurance claims than others. They just stop insuring there.
It should be illegal for a company to deny the patient care!
Yea the answer is scrap the entire insurance industry and have universal healthcare.
This is nothing new it's been like this for years and years and years
This is sickening
I have been in pain since 1986! And have had 14 surgeries....none worked!
Go to physical therapy! Physical therapy is a covered, conservative treatment option ans yes we are trained in TMJ disorders. We will never cut you open and are never going to cost you thousands!! I can't believe no where in this piece was PT mentioned. Idk if its bad journalism or bad advocacy by the APTA.
That’s what I’ve been doing since my jaw starting clicking earlier this year- granted my stressors haven’t gone down and I’m not the best at doing my at-home exercises, but I’m seeing improvements at only $30 per visit (which I understand can add up for many people, but it’s still a cheaper option than surgery)
I'm in that boat. TMJ specialists in my area are private pay. Every appointment, xray, massage, etc costs money. It leaves people, myself included, with a choice between crazy face, jaw, ear and neck pain or going broke to ease it. Unfortunately, I've stopped admitting my pain since nobody believes or sympathizes with "my face hurts".
Chiropractor has done amazing for me and jaw issues must find a good one.
I thought I had TMJ and went to a dentist who wanted to shave down my molars to improve my bite alignment. I thought that sounded terrible so I went to a different doctor who didn't even look into my mouth. When I described how my jaw locked up and was out of alignment so I couldn't chew without stabbing pain, he asked if I clench or grind my teeth. I said I don't think so but he persisted and asked me to open my jaw as wide as I could and wiggle my lower jaw around. Instantly the discomfort went away and he told me to keep stretching my mouth (like a yawn) throughout the day --- eventually all problems went away. Years later, whenever I notice my jaw is tense and not aligned when I try to bite, I just stretch and wiggle and press the joint of my jaw with my fingers until it goes back in place. I don't trust any doctor who just instantly tells me he wants to cut something. It's TENSION people - deal with what causes your tension !!!!!!
I got botox in my jaw muscle and it provided long term relief.
I had lock jaw. My jaw would pop and click all the time and I couldn't open my mouth al the way. One day, I forced my mouth open and the pop that resulted was audible, sounded like a gunshot in my head. The pain that followed was excruciating. However, once the throbbing stopped, I've never had TMJ again and I can open my mouth without obstruction. What if it's as simple as just getting the law to align again and you don't need surgery at all but just general anesthesia and a device to open the mouth up until the jaw pops back into joint (just a luddite's question)?
Dental care is a racket. Its absurd that dental isn't lumped in with normal health insurance/care
Everyone’s TMJ is different and I am not recommending this to anybody but after thousands of dollars of orthodontics and then a specialist for my daughter I found people recommending masseter Botox for migraines(The TMJ is a migraine trigger). I have the same issues as my daughter but I got her treated over me but I was the guniea pig with the Botox. It worked and we both do it now.
Patients instead Receive the care that is “best reimbursed” and once you open the jaw, “it is never the same”. Yeah, sounds like the story of our lives.
Educate yourselves, folks. Do the research, and always try the non-irreversible treatment options first, e.g., physio, before even considering something like surgery or injections. Anyone pushing for invasive treatment or else just wants your money.
Get a good chiropractor. Try chiropractic first. They have saved me so much pain. Any clicking grinding or pain is because of misalignment
I have that
learn to live with it! I have...
That's good but chronic pain is a spectrum!
Same, i've been living with it for 15 years... have to suck it up and deal with stress levels and except it is what it is.
Its not covered because its useless.