Clinical outcomes of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a collective term for a number of clinical signs and symptoms involving the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and associated structures. 1 pain relief and reestablishment of normal jaw function are the main goals of conservative (noninvasive or minimally invasive) management of (TMD). These have ranged from occlusal adjustment, splint therapy, arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, laser therapy, acupuncture, cryotherapy, and physical exercises. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used for pain control and healing. Use of LLLT for TMD has been controversial, and shortcomings have been found in previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of (LLLT) in the treatment of (TMD) in relation to pain intensity and jaw movements. In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 40 patients with TMDs were randomly divided into laser and placebo groups 20 patients in each. In the laser group, twenty patients received 6 sessions of LLLT (2 times a week for 3 weeks) with semi conductive diode laser (gallium arsenide; 904 nm, 0.6 W, 60 s, 4 J/cm2). The same procedure was done with the 20 patients of the control group but by using inactive beaming light. Pain intensity, and range of motion were assessed before and immediately after 1, 2 and 3 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months. Statistically significant results were achieved in all study parameters. It was concluded that LLLT promoted satisfactory results in reducing the pain intensity, and improvement in the range of jaw motion. Hence it is an effective and efficient treatment method for TMDs.