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Effects of different photobiomodulation dosimetries on temporomandibular dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

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Abstract

Changes involving temporomandibular joint, masticatory musculature, and associated structures characterize temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect produced by photobiomodulation has contributed to pain relief and functional improvement. However, the parameters to be used have not yet been well established. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of three different photobiomodulation dosimetries in the treatment of patients with TMD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 44 subjects divided into the groups 8 J/cm2 (n = 11), 60 J/cm2 (n = 11), 105 J/cm2 (n = 11), and control (n = 11). Pain, symptom severity, and joint mobility were evaluated before and after a ten-session protocol of photobiomodulation with AlGaAs laser (830 nm), at a power density of 30 mW/cm2. The mouth opening increased in the 8-J/cm2 group from 10.49 ± 4.68 to 15.40 ± 6.43 degrees, and in the right protrusion from 9.80 ± 4.2 to 12.56 ± 5.40 degrees after the intervention protocol (p < 0.05). All groups significantly decreased pain (p < 0.05). 830-nm laser photobiomodulation was effective in reducing TMD pain and symptoms at all doses tested. Only the doses of 8 J/cm2 were effective regarding maximal opening and protrusion of the mandible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physiotherapy Course, Lutheran University of Brazil, Parque do Balonismo, 1900, Torres, RS, Brazil

    Rosana Mengue Maggi Borges, Daniela Steffen Cardoso, Bianca Chuaste Flores & Raquel Dimer da Luz

  2. Physiotherapist, Torres, Brazil

    Catiuci Roberta Machado

  3. Lutheran University of Brazil, Torres, RS, Brazil

    Guilherme Pessoa Cerveira, Rodrigo Boff Daitx & Marcelo Baptista Dohnert

Authors
  1. Rosana Mengue Maggi Borges
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  2. Daniela Steffen Cardoso
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  3. Bianca Chuaste Flores
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  4. Raquel Dimer da Luz
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  5. Catiuci Roberta Machado
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  6. Guilherme Pessoa Cerveira
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  7. Rodrigo Boff Daitx
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  8. Marcelo Baptista Dohnert
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Correspondence to Marcelo Baptista Dohnert.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Lutheran University of Brazil, under number 2011-175H.

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Borges, R.M.M., Cardoso, D.S., Flores, B.C. et al. Effects of different photobiomodulation dosimetries on temporomandibular dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci 33, 1859–1866 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2533-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2533-6

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