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- Title
Evaluation of low-level laser therapy in patients with acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders.
- Authors
Salmos-Brito, Janaina; Menezes, Rebeca; Teixeira, Camila; Gonzaga, Raphaella; Rodrigues, Breno; Braz, Rodivan; Bessa-Nogueira, Ricardo; Martínez Gerbi, Marleny
- Abstract
The purpose of this study was to address the following question: among patients with acute or chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD), does low-level laser therapy (LLLT) reduce pain intensity and improve maximal mouth opening? The sample comprised myogenic TMD patients (according Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD). Inclusion criteria were: male/female, no age limit, orofacial pain, tender points, limited jaw movements and chewing difficulties. Patients with other TMD subtypes or associated musculoskeletal/rheumatologic disease, missing incisors teeth, LLLT contra-indication, and previous TMD treatment were excluded. According to disease duration, patients were allocated into two groups, acute (<6 months) and chronic TMD (≥6 months). For each patient, 12 LLLT sessions were performed (gallium-aluminum-arsenide; λ = 830 nm, P = 40 mW, CW, ED = 8 J/cm). Pain intensity was recorded using a 10-cm visual analog scale and maximal mouth opening using a digital ruler (both recorded before/after LLLT). The investigators were previously calibrated and blinded to the groups (double-blind study) and level of significance was 5% ( p < 0.05). Fifty-eight patients met all criteria, 32 (acute TMD), and 26 (chronic TMD). Both groups had a significant pain intensity reduction and maximal mouth opening improvement after LLLT (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.001). Between the groups, acute TMD patient had a more significant pain intensity reduction (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.002) and a more significant maximal mouth opening improvement (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.011). Low-level laser therapy can be considered as an alternative physical modality or supplementary approach for management of acute and chronic myogenic temporomandibular disorder; however, patients with acute disease are likely to have a better outcome.
- Subjects
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR disorders; LASERS in dentistry; MYOBLASTS; FACIAL pain; PAIN perception; MUSCULOSKELETAL system; HEALTH outcome assessment; BIOMECHANICS
- Publication
Lasers in Medical Science, 2013, Vol 28, Issue 1, p57
- ISSN
0268-8921
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10103-012-1065-8