When your jaw is telling you something
Dangjeong-dong, in the eastern part of Gunpo near Gunpo Station, is a mix of homes and workplaces. Many of the adults we meet from this side of the city spend long hours at desks, on their feet, or behind the wheel. Over time, that pressure can settle in the jaw. A click when you open your mouth, aching muscles in the morning, headaches at the temples, or teeth that look flatter than they used to are all signs worth checking.
This page focuses on those problems: temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, clenching and grinding, and the damage they can do to teeth. Seoul E&D Dental Clinic offers TMJ assessment and treatment alongside general dentistry in Sanbon-dong.
How do I get from Dangjeong to the clinic?
East Gunpo is served by Line 1. Ride Line 1 to Geumjeong Station, transfer to Line 4, and travel one stop to Sanbon Station. The clinic is about a 5-minute walk from Sanbon Station, on the second floor of the Hanaro Building at 693 Gosan-ro.
Appointment times that suit working adults
Jaw problems tend to need a few visits, so convenient hours matter:
- Late opening on Monday and Thursday, 9:30 to 20:30
- Regular hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30 to 18:30
- Saturday morning, 9:30 to 14:00 with no lunch break
- Weekday lunch from 13:00 to 14:00
- Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00, and public holidays, 9:30 to 18:30
Hours should be confirmed with the clinic, particularly around holiday periods.
What causes jaw pain and clicking?
The jaw joint is a small, hard-working hinge. Problems can arise from muscle tension, inflammation in the joint, displacement of the small disc inside it, uneven bite contacts, or habits such as clenching during concentration. Stress and poor sleep often make symptoms worse. Usually more than one factor is involved, which is why a careful examination comes before any treatment.
How is TMJ treated at E&D Dental?
We start by listening: when the pain began, what makes it worse, whether you notice clenching during the day. We then examine jaw movement, muscle tenderness and the bite, and may take low-dose 3D CBCT images to look at the joint itself. Treatment is chosen from there and is usually conservative.
Physical therapy for the jaw
The clinic has a dedicated physical therapy device used in TMJ physical therapy sessions. It is intended to support tissue recovery and to help reduce pain and inflammation. Many patients have several short sessions over a few weeks.
Splints and night guards
A custom night guard places a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth during sleep. It can reduce wear from grinding and ease the load on tired muscles. It does not stop the habit, but it limits the damage.
Addressing grinding habits
Our teeth grinding treatment combines protection with practical advice on daytime clenching, posture and relaxation. For broader jaw pain, we also rule out dental causes such as an infected tooth or an erupting wisdom tooth.
Repairing teeth damaged by grinding
Years of clenching can leave teeth chipped, cracked or sensitive. A cracked tooth needs prompt attention, because a crack can deepen until the tooth splits. Worn or broken back teeth may be rebuilt with inlays and onlays that preserve healthy structure. If cold drinks have started to sting, sensitivity treatment can help, provided the underlying cause is addressed.
What can I do at home in the meantime?
- Choose softer foods for a while and avoid chewing gum.
- Notice whether your teeth touch during the day; at rest they should be slightly apart.
- Apply a warm compress to tight jaw muscles.
- Avoid opening very wide, for example when yawning.
These steps can ease symptoms but do not replace an examination, especially if the jaw locks or pain is getting worse. Our guide to TMJ symptoms and causes explains more.
For international residents in Dangjeong
Jaw symptoms can be hard to describe in a second language. We can help arrange English communication, so please ask when booking.
Book a TMJ assessment
Call +82-10-3015-3473, use WhatsApp, or message the WhatsApp. Our contact page includes directions from Sanbon Station.