Jaw Clicking Locking Treatment
Jaw Clicking Locking Treatment is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Stop the Click, Resolve the Pain — Evidence-Based TMJ Treatment
That Click in Your Jaw Is a Signal — Here Is What It Actually Means
A clicking or popping jaw joint is not a quirky trait — it is a clinical finding called disc displacement with reduction. The articular disc, a small piece of fibrocartilage that sits between the condyle and the fossa, has slipped forward out of its normal position. When you open your mouth, the condyle slides forward and the disc snaps back into place — that is the click you hear. When you close, the disc slips forward again — sometimes producing a second, softer click. While not every clicking TMJ requires treatment, the condition can progress: the click may become louder, occur with pain, or the disc may eventually fail to recapture, resulting in a closed lock where you cannot fully open your mouth.
Jaw pain without clicking indicates a different subset of TMD — either arthralgia (joint inflammation without disc displacement), myalgia (muscle pain from overuse, trigger points, or spasm), or both. Patients with muscle-driven jaw pain often describe a deep, aching sensation in the cheek, temple, or behind the ear that worsens throughout the day or is worst upon waking. They may not realize that "face pain" and "jaw pain" are the same complaint looked at from different angles.
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we differentiate these subtypes through systematic examination. Disc displacement produces a specific, reproducible click at a measurable degree of jaw opening. Myalgia reproduces familiar pain when specific muscles are palpated. Arthralgia produces pain on joint loading. Many patients have more than one subtype simultaneously. Treatment is tailored to the dominant component: splint therapy and physical therapy for disc displacement, Botox and trigger point therapy for muscle pain, anti-inflammatory strategies and joint procedures for arthralgia.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for smooth continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Most patients complete their jaw clicking locking treatment appointment in 45-90 minutes. Complex cases may require 1-2 hours. Your initial consultation takes about 60 minutes including imaging and treatment planning.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Natural History of TMJ Disc Displacement: When Does Clicking Become a Problem?
Epidemiologic studies show that 25 to 35 percent of the general population has TMJ clicking, but only a fraction develop pain or functional limitation requiring treatment. Research in the Journal of Oral and Facial Pain and Headache found that 16% of painless clicks progress to painful clicking or closed lock over five years, while 84% remain stable or resolve. Factors predicting progression include increasing click loudness, pain with the click, decreasing maximum opening, and female sex. A randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Dental Research demonstrated that early splint therapy for painful disc displacement with reduction prevented progression to closed lock in 95% of cases over two years.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Dr. Ostovar and Dr. Gvozden evaluate jaw pain and clicking collaboratively, combining prosthodontic assessment of occlusion and muscle function with surgical assessment of joint mechanics and disc status. This dual perspective ensures that both the muscle and joint components of your jaw pain are identified and addressed with targeted, evidence-based treatment.
Treatment time varies by complexity. A straightforward procedure may take 30-60 minutes, while more involved cases can take 1-2 hours. Your consultation visit typically lasts 45-60 minutes including imaging and treatment planning. We’ll give you a specific time estimate for your individual case.
Your Jaw Clicking Locking Treatment Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive jaw clicking locking treatment evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your jaw clicking locking treatment options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for best healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call using advanced clinical protocols and evidence-based dental medicine(503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
A Note from Your Dental Team
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from jaw clicking locking treatment are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Every patient I see has a different story, a different set of concerns, and a different definition of what ‘success’ looks like. That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. When you come in for a consultation, I’ll listen first, examine second, and recommend third.
I also won’t recommend a procedure you don’t need. If your tooth can be saved with a filling instead of a crown, I’ll tell you that. If watchful waiting is appropriate, I’ll explain why. My job isn’t to sell treatment — it’s to give you my honest clinical judgment so you can make an informed decision.
If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, or if you’ve been told you need this procedure by another dentist and want a second opinion, call us at (503) 822-0096. We’re happy to take the time to explain everything — no rush, no pressure.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar & Dr. Jovan Gvozden | Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Beaverton, OR
I know many patients feel anxious about dental procedures — you’re not alone in that. What I hear most often after treatment is: “That was so much easier than I expected.” We’re here to make this as comfortable as possible for you.
Who is a good candidate? Most patients in good general health qualify for jaw clicking locking treatment. We evaluate your specific situation — including medical history, current medications, and dental condition — during a thorough consultation with CBCT 3D imaging. Factors like uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, or active infections may require management before proceeding.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is jaw clicking dangerous?
Painless clicking that has been stable for years and does not limit your function may not require active treatment. However, clicking that is new, getting louder, accompanied by pain, or associated with decreasing opening warrants evaluation because it may progress to a locked jaw.
Can jaw clicking go away on its own?
Some clicking does resolve spontaneously, particularly if it was triggered by a temporary factor like stress or a dental procedure. Persistent clicking that has lasted more than three months is unlikely to resolve without treatment.
What does it mean when my jaw locks?
If your jaw catches briefly then releases, the disc is close to failing to recapture. If your jaw locks fully and you cannot open beyond one or two finger widths, the disc has displaced anteriorly without reduction — this is a more advanced stage that may require arthrocentesis.
Why does my jaw hurt more in the morning?
Morning jaw pain strongly suggests nocturnal bruxism. While you sleep, clenching and grinding overload the masticatory muscles and TMJ. You wake with stiff, sore muscles — similar to how your legs feel after an intense workout you did not intend.
Can jaw pain be caused by neck problems?
Yes. Cervical spine dysfunction and TMD frequently coexist and can exacerbate each other. Referred pain from the upper cervical spine can mimic TMJ pain. When we suspect cervical involvement, we recommend co-management with a physical therapist skilled in cervical and TMJ treatment.
Should I stop eating hard or chewy foods?
During active TMJ symptoms, a softer diet reduces joint and muscle loading and can significantly decrease pain. This does not mean a permanent dietary restriction — as symptoms improve with treatment, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods.
Will my jaw clicking lead to arthritis?
Not necessarily. While chronic disc displacement can contribute to degenerative changes over time, many patients have clicking for decades without developing significant arthritis. Monitoring and appropriate treatment reduce the risk of progressive joint degeneration.
Can you treat jaw pain without surgery?
Absolutely. The vast majority of TMJ pain responds to non-surgical treatment. Splint therapy, physical therapy, Botox, anti-inflammatory medication, and behavioral modification are first-line treatments that we always try before considering any procedure.
What is the popping sound in my jaw?
The popping or clicking is the sound of your articular disc snapping from a displaced position back into its normal position as you open your jaw. The disc acts as a cushion between the condyle and fossa — when displaced, it creates a mechanical impediment that produces sound during movement.
How do you treat jaw clicking and pain?
Treatment depends on the cause. For disc displacement with reduction: splint therapy to decompress the joint and physical therapy. For myalgia: Botox, trigger point therapy, and stress management. For arthralgia: anti-inflammatory therapy, possible arthrocentesis. Many patients receive combination therapy.
Is jaw pain related to ear pain?
Very frequently. The TMJ is located directly in front of the ear canal. TMJ inflammation and masticatory muscle tension can produce ear fullness, ear pain, tinnitus (ringing), and even dizziness. Many patients see an ENT first before the TMJ origin is identified.
How much does jaw pain treatment cost?
The evaluation with CBCT imaging is $300 to $500. Splint therapy ranges from $800 to $2,000. Botox is $400 to $800 per session. Arthrocentesis, if needed, is $1,000 to $2,000. We develop a phased treatment plan that fits your budget and severity.
Can chewing gum make jaw pain worse?
Yes. Gum chewing is a repetitive loading activity that fatigues the masticatory muscles and increases TMJ force. We recommend avoiding gum entirely during active TMJ treatment.
Do you work with physical therapists for TMJ treatment?
Yes. Physical therapy is an important component of comprehensive TMJ care. We refer to physical therapists who specialize in TMJ and cervical rehabilitation and coordinate treatment plans for best outcomes.
At what point should I get my jaw clicking evaluated?
Get evaluated if the clicking is painful, increasing in frequency or loudness, associated with limited opening, accompanied by headaches or ear symptoms, or if your jaw has ever locked even temporarily. Early evaluation prevents progression.
Jaw Pain or Clicking Getting Worse? Call (503) 822-0096 Before It Becomes a Lock
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026