NEED YOUR OPINIONS - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

PINKYPRISCILLA · 03-20-2003, 07:30 AM

HI GUYS,

I posted a while a go that I made an appointment to go to an oral surgeon/tmj dr. but the appointment isn't until April 15th, and I am in pain!!!(this oral surgeon
says it is covered by my health plan)
So I called another dentist which seems the one that I need (he does repositioning splints where as the other dentist (oral surgeon) I'm not sure about.

But guess what receptionist said the initial consultation
would be $750.00!! Then the repositoning splint and 4-6 months of (once a week adjustsments) would TOTAL
$2500.00!!!!!! and she is not sure it is covered under
my health plan!!!!!!! What do you guys think?????HELP I'm in pain!!!!!!

TiffanyAnn · 03-20-2003, 02:22 PM

Hi Pinky:
That is a tough spot to be in and only you can decide what is best for you. I personally would be very leary of seeing a oral surgeon. Their name tells you what they are into and what they prefer doing. For me surgery just is not an option so I would not pursue that at all but maybe for you, you think it is what will help you. I don't know that, only you do. The splint therapy is alot of money, if it were me I would find a way to pay for it. Maybe you can speak with your insurance company and try to get it covered. I know how much work that can be. The bottom line is this: only you know how much pain you are in and what you can do. Only you know how much pain you are in and how much more you can stand. So, it's wise to ask opinions but only you know yourself. The very best of luck to you.
Tiffany

crystalll · 03-20-2003, 05:25 PM

So just to show up at his door and have him look at you would cost $750.00!!!
WOW. He must think he's God! You shouldn't have to pay more that $100-150 for an initial consultation. I wouldn't trust that dentist. Stick with the oral surgeon for now. You can always get a second opinion.

Crystal

autumn83175 · 03-20-2003, 08:46 PM

Pinky,

I have seen an oral surgeon for all my treatment. He actually tried a splint as my first attempt at treatment. He was able to get it covered by my insurance, after a few phone calls of course. If you see an oral surgeon, they have a better chance of proving medical necessity and getting a split covered. I think with a dentist a splint is viewed as cosmetic.

Wait until you visit the oral surgeon. I guess mine is in the minority, but he has been very slow and steady in my treatment. Hopefully whomever you see will be the same. If not you can always try the dentist next.

My doc is Dr. Guy Lanzi in Haddonfield. I drive two hours to see him, but its worth it. If you don't like your consultation with the oral surgeon you were referred to, you should look him up and try him.

Good Luck!

Autumn

PINKYPRISCILLA · 03-21-2003, 07:39 AM

THANKS GUYS FOR THE INPUT!!

I spent the whole week (on my lunch hours) trying to figure out who would be the best dentist to see. And after reading all your posts, and calling my insurance co's(dental & medical) I think I am best off with a general dentist first. The oral surgeon scares me and I can't really wait until 4/15 to see him Im in pain now!!! and the other dentist was way to expensive!!!

and I need a repositioning splint bad!!!!! So I made another appointment with a general dentist who is a member of the cranofacial society. And this appointment is much sooner (next week)
Less intimidating for me to handle!!!