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

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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/cm2). 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.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Brazilian Council for Science and Technology (CNPq) and was a part of the requirements for the degree of PhD at University of Pernambuco, Brazil.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dental School, University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Janaina Andrade Lima Salmos-Brito

  2. Dental School, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

    Rebeca Ferraz de Menezes

  3. Dental School, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

    Camila Epitácio Cravo Teixeira

  4. Clinical Practice, Recife, Brazil

    Raphaella Karlla Machado Gonzaga & Breno Henrique Mara Rodrigues

  5. Center for Laser Therapy, Dental School, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

    Rodivan Braz & Marleny Elizabeth Márquez de Martínez Gerbi

  6. Dental School, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil

    Ricardo Viana Bessa-Nogueira

  7. Departamento de Odontologia Restauradora, Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco, Avenida General Newton Cavalcanti n1650, CEP 54753-220, Camaragibe, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Janaina Andrade Lima Salmos-Brito

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  1. Janaina Andrade Lima Salmos-Brito
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Correspondence to Janaina Andrade Lima Salmos-Brito.

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Salmos-Brito, J.A.L., de Menezes, R.F., Teixeira, C.E.C. et al. Evaluation of low-level laser therapy in patients with acute and chronic temporomandibular disorders. Lasers Med Sci 28, 57–64 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-012-1065-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-012-1065-8

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