Medically reviewed by Dr. Amin P. Samadian, DDS, MBA, Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Last reviewed November 7, 2026.
A jaw that clicks or pops is very common, and a painless click on its own often needs nothing more than watching. A click that hurts, catches, is getting louder, or comes with headaches or a jaw that opens less than it used to is worth an exam. Dr. Amin Samadian evaluates and treats jaw clicking at the San Francisco Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea. Call 415-570-2841 to book.
What the click is
Each jaw joint has a small disc of cartilage between the bones, like a cushion. When the disc sits slightly forward of where it belongs, the jaw bone has to bump over it as you open, and that bump is the click. As you close, it slips off again, which is often a second, softer click. A grating or crunching sound is different and points to wear on the joint surfaces.
When a click needs treatment
- It hurts, or the joint aches after chewing
- The jaw catches or sticks before the click lets go
- Your opening is getting smaller
- The click started after an injury, or it is new and getting louder
- It comes with headaches, ear pain or a tired jaw in the morning
- The click suddenly stopped and the jaw now opens less (see locked jaw)
Common causes
- Disc position: the disc sitting forward in the joint, the most common cause
- Clenching and grinding: bruxism loads the joint, especially at night
- The bite: teeth that meet in a way that pushes the jaw back or to one side
- Tight jaw muscles: from stress, posture or breathing through the mouth
- An old injury: a blow to the jaw or a fall
How we treat it
We start by watching how the jaw opens, listening to and feeling the joints, checking the muscles and the bite, and, when useful, a 3D CBCT scan in the office. Treatment is matched to what we find.
A custom orthotic
A custom oral orthotic positions the jaw so the joint and disc are under less pressure. This is usually the first step for a painful click.
Muscle care
Jaw exercises, myofunctional therapy and, for heavy clenchers, Botox for the jaw muscles take strain off the joint.
PRF for an inflamed joint
When the joint itself stays inflamed, PRF made from your own blood can be placed in the joint to calm it and support healing.
The bite
If the bite keeps pushing the joint out of place, we correct it with orthodontics or bite work once the joint is calm.
Book a jaw clicking evaluation in San Francisco
We are at 260 Stockton St, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108. Call 415-570-2841 or request an appointment online.
