The TMJ
“Temporomandibular Joint” is the joint of the jaw. There are two TMJs, one on either side,
working in unison. The name is derived from the two bones which form the joint; the upper
temporal bone which is part of the skull, and the lower jaw bone called the mandible.
The unique feature of the TMJ is the articular disc. The disc is composed of fibrocartilagenous
tissue which is positioned between the two bones that form the joint and looks like a doughnut.
TMJ / TMD
Pain or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is commonly referred to as "TMJ", when in
fact, TMJ is really the name of the joint, and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (or dysfunction)
is abbreviated TMD. This term is used to refer to a group of problems involving the TMJ and the
muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and other tissues associated with them. Some
practitioners might include the neck, the back and even the whole body in describing problems
with the TMJ.
TMJ Screening
Regardless of symptoms, examination of a muscle that helps move the jaw (external pterygoid)
assists to determine if the muscle is in spasm and a “TMJ” predisposition exists.
Part of the screening procedure is also looking at the motion of the jaw to quickly evaluate the
gearing of the teeth.
In patients with tooth gearing problems the jaw usually makes a detour or shift to the right or left
as it opens and closes. This gives preliminary information whether a tooth gearing problem exists
but still many patients have muscle spasms and tooth gearing problem but no symptoms.
Reasons for Seeking Care
Pain is usually the motivating factor in seeking help. Treatment is also advisable if a patient is
going to begin sophisticated dental procedures such as reconstructive work, bridges or multiple
crowns. Whether or not the patient is exhibiting symptoms TMJ may be triggered or worsened by
extensive dental treatment. Many times, the first TMJ symptoms occur after extensive dental
treatment.
How is your TMJ?
Are you experiencing frequent headaches, neck or shoulder pain, backaches, popping or
clicking in your jaw, numbness of the extremities, or middle-ear symptoms? Make sure your TMJ
is considered in the diagnostic investigation into your problem.
Dental Insurance
Everyone’s insurance benefit package is different and we understand when our patients wish to
maximize their re-imbursement for dental care. We also understand your disappointment when
insurance benefits don’t completely match your individual dental needs.
The benefit package which your employer graciously provides for you is based on the amount
your employer has budgeted for employee benefits, not on your individual health requirements.
Your insurance company never checks your teeth or your family’s teeth or asks about your
dental goals.....that’s our job!
Our recommendations for your dental health are based on our thorough examination and
diagnosis of the health of your mouth as well as your vision of the appearance and health of your
smile. Once we have established clear goals together, we will be happy to share with you our
experience and knowledge of dental insurance companies and help you maximize the re-
imbursement which is available to from your employer’s benefit to you.
As Dental Professionals our goal is to promote health and a balanced lifestyle through respect,
integrity, education and also to support you in your choices on your path to a healthier life.
Common Insurance Terms:
Annual Maximum
• Most insurance companies have an “annual maximum” for each patient listed in the policy.
This coverage may change without your knowledge. Most companies have not adjusted
their “maximum” coverage for cost of living factors for the past thirty years.
Deductible
• This is the dollar amount the patient pays toward their treatment before insurance coverage
begins.
Eligible
• This determines who is covered under the insurance policy.
Exclusion
• Many dental services and treatments that are clinically and medically necessary are not
covered by dental insurance. These exclusions are usually described in the patient’s
insurance booklet. Be aware that more and more treatments are being excluded constantly
to reduce costs to the insurer or your employer.
Co-Payment
• Also known as “out of pocket amount”, this is the portion of the treatment fee not covered
by dental insurance. The insurance company will pay a certain percentage of the
treatment, but they rarely cover 100%.
Dual-Coverage
• When both spouses are covered by different insurance plans, insurance companies will
usually coordinate the benefits so the patient does not receive more than 100% of the cost
of treatment.
Assignment
• When the patient signs a section of the insurance form allowing the dentist to receive
payment directly from insurance company, instead of having the patient pay the dentist and
wait for their insurance claim. However, patients are responsible for the “out of pocket”
portion at the time of treatment and any treatment that may no longer be a covered
expense. In Ontario, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario discourages
assignment of benefits to the dentist as there is no legal contract between the insurer and
the dentist; the contract is between the beneficiary (patient) and the insurance company.
Electronic Submission
• More and more dental insurance companies are offering electronic submissions. The
dental office must be technically supported and also be supplied with specific information
from your plan.
• An “electronic submission” could result in an:
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which immediately details your coverage or
• Claim Acknowledgement which is a confirmation of information for which processing will
occur later.
Note;
• Insurance companies do not inform dental offices of changes to your policy.
• Benefit coverage is a contract between you, the insurance company and your employer;
not the dentist.
• Dental benefits are rarely covered at 100% for dental treatment.
• Our fees are based on the current Ontario Dental Association Fee Guide; some insurance
companies offer 100% coverage based on 1994 fees.
Payment Options
We do our very best to accommodate our patients in every way possible especially when it comes
to payment options; we offer Interact, Visa and Master Card. However, in comprehensive phased
treatment plans we offer more flexible methods which can be explained to you by one of our
Administrators.
Internet Zone
Your time is valuable and we encourage you to take advantage of our “Internet Zone” as a
means to get caught up with your work or stay connected with your family and friends....at your
convenience while you wait for your dental appointment or the appointment of your loved one.
Free Parking
Our office has six free assigned parking slots for our clients. They are flagged in orange and are
situated across from the main entrance. We inform our new patients and encourage our existing
clients to park in assigned locations to avoid the possibility of a ticket. A parking pass available
at our reception desk is still a requirement even in designated parking slots
Cold Sore Treatment
Also known as Herpes Virus Simplex I (HVSI) or Oral Herpes; this condition is commonly a
contraindication for dental treatment but now can be a reason for a dental visit. Low Voltage
Diode Laser Therapy is considered a very successful treatment for Cold Sores. Treatment in the
early stages is most successful. The pain will be reduced immediately and the blisters will
disappear within a few days. Repeated treatments will lower the incidence of recurrence.
“Temporomandibular Joint” is the joint of the jaw. There are two TMJs, one on either side,
working in unison. The name is derived from the two bones which form the joint; the upper
temporal bone which is part of the skull, and the lower jaw bone called the mandible.
The unique feature of the TMJ is the articular disc. The disc is composed of fibrocartilagenous
tissue which is positioned between the two bones that form the joint and looks like a doughnut.
TMJ / TMD
Pain or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is commonly referred to as "TMJ", when in
fact, TMJ is really the name of the joint, and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (or dysfunction)
is abbreviated TMD. This term is used to refer to a group of problems involving the TMJ and the
muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and other tissues associated with them. Some
practitioners might include the neck, the back and even the whole body in describing problems
with the TMJ.
TMJ Screening
Regardless of symptoms, examination of a muscle that helps move the jaw (external pterygoid)
assists to determine if the muscle is in spasm and a “TMJ” predisposition exists.
Part of the screening procedure is also looking at the motion of the jaw to quickly evaluate the
gearing of the teeth.
In patients with tooth gearing problems the jaw usually makes a detour or shift to the right or left
as it opens and closes. This gives preliminary information whether a tooth gearing problem exists
but still many patients have muscle spasms and tooth gearing problem but no symptoms.
Reasons for Seeking Care
Pain is usually the motivating factor in seeking help. Treatment is also advisable if a patient is
going to begin sophisticated dental procedures such as reconstructive work, bridges or multiple
crowns. Whether or not the patient is exhibiting symptoms TMJ may be triggered or worsened by
extensive dental treatment. Many times, the first TMJ symptoms occur after extensive dental
treatment.
How is your TMJ?
Are you experiencing frequent headaches, neck or shoulder pain, backaches, popping or
clicking in your jaw, numbness of the extremities, or middle-ear symptoms? Make sure your TMJ
is considered in the diagnostic investigation into your problem.
Dental Insurance
Everyone’s insurance benefit package is different and we understand when our patients wish to
maximize their re-imbursement for dental care. We also understand your disappointment when
insurance benefits don’t completely match your individual dental needs.
The benefit package which your employer graciously provides for you is based on the amount
your employer has budgeted for employee benefits, not on your individual health requirements.
Your insurance company never checks your teeth or your family’s teeth or asks about your
dental goals.....that’s our job!
Our recommendations for your dental health are based on our thorough examination and
diagnosis of the health of your mouth as well as your vision of the appearance and health of your
smile. Once we have established clear goals together, we will be happy to share with you our
experience and knowledge of dental insurance companies and help you maximize the re-
imbursement which is available to from your employer’s benefit to you.
As Dental Professionals our goal is to promote health and a balanced lifestyle through respect,
integrity, education and also to support you in your choices on your path to a healthier life.
Common Insurance Terms:
Annual Maximum
• Most insurance companies have an “annual maximum” for each patient listed in the policy.
This coverage may change without your knowledge. Most companies have not adjusted
their “maximum” coverage for cost of living factors for the past thirty years.
Deductible
• This is the dollar amount the patient pays toward their treatment before insurance coverage
begins.
Eligible
• This determines who is covered under the insurance policy.
Exclusion
• Many dental services and treatments that are clinically and medically necessary are not
covered by dental insurance. These exclusions are usually described in the patient’s
insurance booklet. Be aware that more and more treatments are being excluded constantly
to reduce costs to the insurer or your employer.
Co-Payment
• Also known as “out of pocket amount”, this is the portion of the treatment fee not covered
by dental insurance. The insurance company will pay a certain percentage of the
treatment, but they rarely cover 100%.
Dual-Coverage
• When both spouses are covered by different insurance plans, insurance companies will
usually coordinate the benefits so the patient does not receive more than 100% of the cost
of treatment.
Assignment
• When the patient signs a section of the insurance form allowing the dentist to receive
payment directly from insurance company, instead of having the patient pay the dentist and
wait for their insurance claim. However, patients are responsible for the “out of pocket”
portion at the time of treatment and any treatment that may no longer be a covered
expense. In Ontario, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario discourages
assignment of benefits to the dentist as there is no legal contract between the insurer and
the dentist; the contract is between the beneficiary (patient) and the insurance company.
Electronic Submission
• More and more dental insurance companies are offering electronic submissions. The
dental office must be technically supported and also be supplied with specific information
from your plan.
• An “electronic submission” could result in an:
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which immediately details your coverage or
• Claim Acknowledgement which is a confirmation of information for which processing will
occur later.
Note;
• Insurance companies do not inform dental offices of changes to your policy.
• Benefit coverage is a contract between you, the insurance company and your employer;
not the dentist.
• Dental benefits are rarely covered at 100% for dental treatment.
• Our fees are based on the current Ontario Dental Association Fee Guide; some insurance
companies offer 100% coverage based on 1994 fees.
Payment Options
We do our very best to accommodate our patients in every way possible especially when it comes
to payment options; we offer Interact, Visa and Master Card. However, in comprehensive phased
treatment plans we offer more flexible methods which can be explained to you by one of our
Administrators.
Internet Zone
Your time is valuable and we encourage you to take advantage of our “Internet Zone” as a
means to get caught up with your work or stay connected with your family and friends....at your
convenience while you wait for your dental appointment or the appointment of your loved one.
Free Parking
Our office has six free assigned parking slots for our clients. They are flagged in orange and are
situated across from the main entrance. We inform our new patients and encourage our existing
clients to park in assigned locations to avoid the possibility of a ticket. A parking pass available
at our reception desk is still a requirement even in designated parking slots
Cold Sore Treatment
Also known as Herpes Virus Simplex I (HVSI) or Oral Herpes; this condition is commonly a
contraindication for dental treatment but now can be a reason for a dental visit. Low Voltage
Diode Laser Therapy is considered a very successful treatment for Cold Sores. Treatment in the
early stages is most successful. The pain will be reduced immediately and the blisters will
disappear within a few days. Repeated treatments will lower the incidence of recurrence.
Information Corner