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Low intensity laser therapy in temporomandibular disorder: a phase II double-blind study
Thaise Graciele Carrasco1, Marcelo Oliveira Mazzetto, Rafaela Galli Mazzetto
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Cranio : the Journal of Craniomandibular Practice
|November 14, 2008
Summary
Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) effectively reduces temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction pain. While LILT improved pain, it did not significantly alter masticatory efficiency in patients with TMJ disorders.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pain Management
- Dental Science
Background:
- Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a prevalent condition causing facial pain and impaired function.
- Current treatments for TMD offer variable efficacy, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.
- Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) has emerged as a potential non-invasive modality for pain relief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the analgesic effects of LILT in patients diagnosed with TMD.
- To assess the influence of LILT on masticatory efficiency in TMD patients.
- To compare the outcomes of active LILT versus placebo in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 14 TMD patients divided into active and placebo groups.
- Infrared LILT (780 nm) applied to five specific temporomandibular joint (TMJ) areas twice weekly for eight sessions.
- Pain assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and masticatory efficiency evaluated via a colorimetric capsule method at three time points: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 30-day follow-up.
Main Results:
- The active LILT group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in TMJ pain compared to the placebo group (p < 0.01).
- No significant differences in masticatory behavior or efficiency were observed between the active and placebo groups.
- Masticatory efficiency was highest and symptoms lowest at the post-treatment evaluation (Ev2).
Conclusions:
- LILT is an effective therapeutic option for alleviating pain associated with temporomandibular dysfunction.
- LILT shows a positive influence on masticatory efficiency, particularly observed in the post-treatment evaluation.
- Further research may elucidate optimal LILT parameters for maximizing functional improvements in TMD patients.
