Hello.

I am Dr. Hyunwoo Han of Medicell Dental Clinic, a dental clinic near Maebong Station.

At our clinic, we carefully consider what treatment is truly necessary for each patient, so that we do not miss the right timing to save teeth that can still be preserved.

Some people hear a “click” or “popping” sound from their jaw when they open their mouth.

At first, it may not seem like a serious issue. However, over time, some patients begin to feel stiffness around the jaw or discomfort when opening their mouth widely.

Recently, we received a question from a patient.

“Is it okay to visit a dental clinic if my jaw makes a clicking sound?”

“Does a dentist treat temporomandibular joint problems?”

“Will the treatment cost a lot?”

I believe many people may have similar concerns.

So today, I would like to explain why you may consider visiting a dental clinic when your jaw makes a sound, and how TMJ physical therapy and treatment costs can be understood.

What Causes a Clicking Sound in the Jaw?

The temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, is the joint where the upper and lower jaws meet.

We use this joint hundreds of times a day when we speak, chew food, yawn, and open or close our mouth.

When stress builds up in this joint or in the surrounding muscles, various symptoms may appear.

Common TMJ Symptoms

  • A clicking or popping sound when opening and closing the mouth
  • Stiffness or heaviness around the jaw
  • Discomfort while chewing food
  • Tight jaw muscles in the morning
  • Difficulty opening the mouth as widely as before
  • Discomfort around the area in front of the ear or near the temples

In some cases, the only symptom may be a sound.

However, if the sound is accompanied by pain or difficulty opening the mouth, it is a good idea to have your jaw joint checked.

Why Can TMJ Problems Be Treated at a Dental Clinic?

Many people first think of an orthopedic clinic or Korean medicine clinic when they have jaw joint problems.

This is understandable, because the jaw is also a joint, just like the knee, wrist, or shoulder.

However, the temporomandibular joint is closely connected to the way the teeth bite together, the chewing muscles, and the movement of the jawbone.

In other words, TMJ problems are not only about the jawbone itself. They are also related to how the teeth and jaw function together.

That is why jaw clicking, jaw pain, or discomfort when moving the jaw can also be examined and treated at a dental clinic.

How Is TMJ Physical Therapy Performed?

TMJ physical therapy does not involve forcefully pressing the jaw or trying to adjust it aggressively.

Instead, it is designed to gently relax tense muscles and improve circulation around the joint.

Common methods may include heat therapy and electrical stimulation therapy.

These treatments may help when the muscles around the jaw are overly tense or when the joint area feels stiff and uncomfortable.

Simply put, the goal is to help the tense muscles and joint area gradually become more relaxed and comfortable.

TMJ symptoms are not always resolved with a single treatment. It is important to first check the current condition and manage the symptoms together with daily habits.

Is TMJ Physical Therapy Covered by Health Insurance?

Many patients worry about the cost when they hear the word “dental treatment.”

Because some dental treatments, such as implants, prosthetic treatments, and cosmetic procedures, are not fully covered by insurance, many people assume that all dental treatment will be expensive.

However, TMJ physical therapy may be covered by national health insurance in Korea.

Of course, the actual cost may vary depending on the patient’s condition, the details of the treatment, and the clinic’s situation.

Still, you do not necessarily need to expect a large cost like some non-insured dental procedures.

In many cases, TMJ physical therapy can be received with a relatively manageable out-of-pocket cost, similar to physical therapy at an orthopedic clinic or Korean medicine clinic.

If you have been delaying a dental visit because you were worried about the cost, simply checking your current jaw condition may be a helpful first step.

Can I Ignore a Clicking Sound in My Jaw?

A clicking sound in the jaw does not always mean that treatment is necessary.

If there is no pain and the sound only occurs occasionally, it may be possible to observe the condition for a while.

However, it is better to visit a dental clinic if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • The clicking sound is becoming louder
  • The jaw sound is accompanied by pain
  • The jaw feels like it gets stuck when opening the mouth
  • It is difficult to open the mouth properly
  • One side of the jaw feels uncomfortable while chewing
  • The jaw feels stiff every morning
  • You suspect teeth grinding or clenching

The temporomandibular joint is used repeatedly every day.

Even a small discomfort can become a persistent problem in daily life if it is left unmanaged for a long time.

Daily Habits That Can Reduce Stress on the Jaw Joint

Treatment is important, but daily habits also have a major effect on TMJ symptoms.

Frequently chewing hard or tough foods, chewing only on one side, resting your chin on your hand, and clenching your teeth can all place extra stress on the jaw joint.

Many people also clench their teeth unconsciously when they are stressed.

This habit can keep the muscles around the jaw tense and may worsen TMJ discomfort.

In a relaxed state, the upper and lower teeth should not be tightly touching.

It is better to keep the lips closed, the teeth slightly apart, and the jaw relaxed.

Consult a Dental Clinic Near Maebong Station for TMJ Symptoms

Many people continue to endure jaw clicking or stiffness because they do not know where to go for treatment.

However, the temporomandibular joint is one of the areas that can be examined and managed at a dental clinic.

At Medicell Dental Clinic near Maebong Station, we first check each patient’s condition and, when necessary, help relieve discomfort through TMJ physical therapy.

This article is not meant to push anyone into treatment.

Rather, I hope it helps you understand that jaw clicking can be discussed with a dentist, and that TMJ physical therapy may be covered by health insurance.

If you have been enduring jaw discomfort because you were unsure where to go, I recommend having your jaw joint condition checked at a nearby dental clinic.

We listen carefully and explain thoroughly.

This has been Dr. Hyunwoo Han of Medicell Dental Clinic, a dental clinic near Maebong Station, where we consider the best treatment together so that we do not miss the right timing to save teeth that can still be preserved.

Thank you.