Evaluation of low-level laser therapy in patients with acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders.

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(2)). 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.

• Authors: Janaina Andrade Lima Salmos-Brito, Rebeca Ferraz de Menezes, Camila Epitácio Cravo Teixeira, Raphaella Karlla Machado Gonzaga, Breno Henrique Mara Rodrigues, Rodivan Braz, Ricardo Viana Bessa-Nogueira, Marleny Elizabeth Márquez de Martínez Gerbi
• Journal: Lasers in medical science (Lasers Med Sci) Vol. 28 Issue 1 Pg. 57-64 (Jan 2013) ISSN: 1435-604X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22367394 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Facial Pain (radiotherapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Low-Level Light Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Statistics, Nonparametric
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (radiotherapy)
• Treatment Outcome