Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is one of the common treatments of transverse maxillary deficiency, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the recommended solutions to enhance biological wound or bone healing. This review article aims to answer the following question: "What are the effects of LLLT, on patients who underwent surgical or non-surgical RME, in improving clinical success, wound healing, and bone regeneration?" A search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases was performed, with a focus on the appropriate key words. Related articles, up to May 2017, were screened, and the full text of the randomized controlled trials (RCT) were comprehensively read and subjected to quality assessments. A total of 1804 articles were included after the initial search. Four RCTs were eligible in randomization and methodology. The applied wavelength varied from 660 to 830 nm with an output range of 40-100 mW. Also, the highest exposed energy was 420 J/cm and the lowest was 100 J/cm. The exposure time differed from 20 to 84 s in each defined point in the palate. Based on the RCTs available, LLLT is better to be used at initial phase of RME, because it has some benefits in increasing the rate of bone remodeling.

BackgroundTemporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are musculoskeletal conditions that can inhibit the normal function of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and affect the patient’s quality of life, negatively. Arthrocentesis (AC) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used for treating TMDs. The aim of present paper is to evaluate the advantages of administrating corticosteroid (CS) during AC by reviewing high quality released articles.Material and MethodsSearching on Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases were performed with focusing on proper key words. Related titles and abstracts, up to December 2017, were screened and selected based on inclusion criteria. The full text of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was extensively read and subjected to quality assessments.ResultsAfter initial search, a total of 2067 articles were included into the study. Finally, 7 studies were reliable enough in methodology and randomization to be included into the study. All of the observed studies showed improvements in jaw functions and pain relief with no statistical differences in both AC and control groups. One study reported painless maximum incisal opening in CS group than the control group.ConclusionsBased on available RCTs, the AC of TMJ with CS seems to result in similar findings to other therapeutic drugs, with no significant differences. Key words:Arthrocentesis, corticosteroid, temporomandibular joints, temporomandibular joint disorders.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on reducing complications following tooth extraction. Methods: This randomized clinical trial consisted of 40 subjects who underwent lower molar extraction. The patients were randomly assigned to 4 groups. Group 1 was irradiated with a 660 nm laser (200 mW, 30 seconds radiation to lingual, buccal and occlusal surfaces of the socket, 6 J/area). In group 2, an 810 nm laser was applied similar to group 1. In group 3, a combination of 660 and 810 nm lasers was used. The patients in group 4 served as a placebo group. LLLT was performed after 0.5-1 hour of extraction and 2 days later. The participants were asked to record pain degree using a visual analogue scale (VAS) over 7 days. The amount of wound healing was evaluated on the third and seventh days. Results: There was no significant difference in pain scores among the groups at any of the assessment intervals (P>0.05). The between-group differences in wound healing scores were small and insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: LLLT with 660 nm or 810 nm lasers or their combination had no greater effect than the placebo laser for reducing the complications of tooth extraction.

Background Development of white spot lesions around orthodontic fixed orthodontic appliances is a common finding, especially in patients with poor oral hygiene. One of the conservative interventions for regression of these lesions is using chemical solutions. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of fluoride and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) on microhardness improvement of affected enamel. Material and Methods Forty-five intact human incisor teeth were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups of 15. Fluoride group, ACP group and artificial saliva group (control group). Inducing of white spot lesion was done by PH-cycling model. Samples of the first and second group were submerged into 0.05% fluoride and 0.05% ACP solutions respectively for one minute a day. The rest of the time, all specimens were put in artificial saliva, which was incubated in 37 °c temperature. Microhardness of specimens was assessed by Vickers microhardness test in three stages: 1: Baseline microhardness assessment that was done before induction of white spot lesion, 2: Secondary microhardness assessment that was done after induction, 3: Final microhardness assessment that was done after chemical treatment. The SPSS 11.5 software was used for statistical analysis and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results Microhardness of specimens in the fluoride and ACP groups had significantly improved after the treatment (between secondary assessment and final assessment). In the control group, no significant improvements were observed. In final assessment, there were significant differences between the ACP and control groups, but no significant differences were found neither between the fluoride and ACP, nor the Fluoride and control groups. Conclusions According to the current study, both 0.05% ACP and 0.05% fluoride solutions enhanced enamel micro-hardness in treatment of white spot lesion. Key words: Microhardness, amorphous calcium phosphate, fluoride, white spot lesion.