A dislocated jaw is abnormal alignment between the mandible and the skull, which are connected by the temporomandibular joints, while a broken jaw is a fracture of the mandible. It is a serious injury and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms can include pain, drooling, inability to close the mouth, and problems with chewing or bite alignment.
Typical costs:
Without health insurance, diagnosis and treatment for a dislocated jaw typically includes the cost of the X-ray, a facility fee and a doctor fee for a typical total of less than $2,500. A jaw X-ray costs an average of $310, according to NewChoiceHealth.com[1] , but some providers charge $1,000 or more. The typical cost to reset a dislocated jaw is $1,550, not including the doctor fee, according to the health care cost calculator from Baptist Memorial Health Care in Memphis, TN. A typical doctor fee could range from $250 to $950 for the procedure, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates[2] .
Treatment for a dislocated jaw is typically covered by health insurance. A patient with insurance would typically pay an X-ray copay, an office visit copay and coinsurance of 10% to 50% percent for the procedure. The cost could reach $500 or more, depending on copays.
After the patient is given muscle relaxants and local anesthesia, the doctor will physically manipulate the jaw back into the proper position and then bandage it to keep the mouth from opening too wide during the six weeks of recovery.
In some cases, for recurring jaw dislocations, surgery might be required.
The National Institutes of Health[3] offers a primer on jaw dislocation and treatment.
Additional costs:
Going to an emergency room for initial treatment could add a $500 emergency room visit fee to the final bill.
Discounts:
Some hospitals and orthopedic specialists offer discounts for uninsured/cash paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System[4] in California offers a 35% discount for uninsured patients as well as a financial assistance program for qualifying uninsured patients. And the Northwest Community Hospital Orthopedic Services Center[5] , in Chicago, offers discounts for prompt payment.
Some free clinics, such as the Community Health Free Clinic[6] in Chicago, offer orthopedic specialty care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services[7] offers a directory of federally funded health centers. These centers are open to anyone and fees are charged on a sliding scale based on federal poverty guidelines; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends contacting clinics directly for specific information on their discount policies. If the nearest clinic doesn't offer orthopedic care, ask for a referral.
Shopping for a dislocated jaw:
A dislocated jaw is considered a medical emergency, so it might be necessary to seek treatment at a hospital emergency room. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon would treat a dislocated jaw. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons[8] offers a surgeon locator, but it is necessary to verify board certification.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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