Will Insurance Cover Botox for TMJ And Bruxism?

Will Insurance Cover Botox for TMJ? Currently, the use of BOTOX for TMJ disorders is not covered by medical insurance plans.

However, because TMJ problems are largely a dental issue, it is conceivable that insurance companies will ultimately cover BOTOX injections.

Here’s what you need to know about the use of BOTOX in the treatment of TMJ disorders and whether or not your insurance coverage will cover it. Will Insurance Cover Botox for TMJ?

What Is Botox?

Botox is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It has been used since the late 1970s to treat various medical conditions, such as:

(1) Facial Wrinkling

(2) Excessive Sweating

(3) Muscle Spasms related to chronic conditions like cerebral palsy and dystonia.

The toxin blocks the chemical signals that tell muscles to contract. This in turn prevents involuntary muscle movements which lead to wrinkles.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. This is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull and it controls how your mouth moves.

When you have an issue with this joint, it can cause facial pain, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds in the neck and face and difficulty opening or closing your mouth.

What Does The Procedure Involve?

Botulinum toxin injections are the most popular form of treatment for muscle spasms and pain. The procedure is very simple: a small needle is used to inject the botulinum toxin into the affected muscle.

Within 2-3 days, you will begin to notice relief from the muscle spasms and pain. The effects last 3-6 months before they wear off and need to be repeated.

Can I Use My Health Insurance For This Treatment?

There are many insurance companies, and each company will likely have a different answer to the question of whether or not they cover BOTOX injections.

Some companies may cover the procedure in some cases, while other companies may not cover the treatment at all.

Will Insurance Cover Botox for TMJ? To find out whether or not your insurance company covers BOTOX injections, you can contact them directly and ask them.

If you are unable to get a clear answer from your insurance company, it is worth calling other insurance providers as well to find out more about their coverage policies.

How Much Does It Cost?

Will Insurance Cover Botox for TMJ? In general, the cost of botulinum toxin injections is $250 – $600 per treatment.

Botulinum toxin injections are a medical procedure. As such, you may be required to pay out-of-pocket costs in addition to your medical insurance premiums.

If you have a dental plan that includes coverage of dental procedures, then you may be able to get the injection at a discounted price or possibly even free of charge.

How Long Does The Treatment Take?

Botox treatments typically last 15 minutes. Some patients report feeling some discomfort while injections are administered, but others say that they feel nothing at all during the treatment.

Because BOTOX is a drug and not surgery, there is no downtime or recovery period.

Can I Have The Procedure Done By My Dentist?

If you have a dental insurance plan, you may be able to get the procedure done at your dentist’s office.

Though it will not be covered by your dental insurance, this is a good option if you are short on cash or do not want to pay out of pocket.

The injections should cost less than $100 and will take about 15 minutes.

In the end, BOTOX is not currently covered by medical insurance plans and most likely never will be.

Where Else Can I Get This Treatment Done?

The use of Botox for TMJ disorders is not covered by medical insurance plans, your best bet may be to find a local dentist who is willing to administer BOTOX injections.

However, if you do not have dental insurance, then the procedure will cost you upwards of $1000.

Final Verdict – Will Insurance Cover Botox for TMJ?

Will Insurance Cover Botox for TMJ? It’s not likely that your insurance provider will cover the procedure, at least not right now. But there is a change in the future.

If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, schedule an appointment with a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. They will be able to diagnose your condition and offer treatment options.