Analysis of laser therapy and assessment methods in the rehabilitation of temporomandibular disorder: a systematic review of the literature.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the effects of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of TMD, and to analyze the use of different assessment tools. [Subjects and Methods] Searches were carried out of the BIREME, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO electronic databases by two independent researchers for papers published in English and Portuguese using the terms: "temporomandibular joint laser therapy" and "TMJ laser treatment". [Results] Following the application of the eligibility criteria, 11 papers were selected for in-depth analysis. The papers analyzed exhibited considerable methodological differences, especially with regard to the number of sessions, anatomic site and duration of low-level laser therapy irradiation, as well as irradiation parameters, diagnostic criteria and assessment tools. [Conclusion] Further studies are needed, especially randomized clinical trials, to establish the exact dose and ideal parameters for low-level laser therapy and define the best assessment tools in this promising field of research that may benefit individuals with signs and symptoms of TMD.

• Authors: Carolina Marciela Herpich, Ana Paula Amaral, Ernesto Cesar Pinto Leal-Junior, Juliana de Paiva Tosato, Cid Andre Fidelis de Paula Gomes, Éric Edmur Camargo Arruda, Igor Phillip Dos Santos Glória, Marilia Barbosa Santos Garcia, Bruno Roberto Borges Barbosa, Monique Sampaio Rodrigues, Katiane Lima Silva, Yasmin El Hage, Fabiano Politti, Tabajara de Oliveira Gonzalez, Sandra Kalil Bussadori, Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez
• Journal: Journal of physical therapy science (J Phys Ther Sci) Vol. 27 Issue 1 Pg. 295-301 (Jan 2015) ISSN: 0915-5287 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 25642095 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)