Igor Djordjević, Ana Miletić, Filip Ivanjac, Danica Popović Antić, Minja Miličić Lazić, Vitomir Konstantinović
The applied LLLT was associated with significant reduction in pain intensity and improvement in oral health-related quality of life in patients with TMD. Although no statistically significant differences between the groups were demonstrated at the individual post-treatment assessment points, these findings support LLLT as a potentially useful non-invasive conservative treatment option.
BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are associated with musculoskeletal pain affecting the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a therapeutic modality with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biostimulatory effects. Protocol and laser parameter settings for TMD management have not yet been established. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in reducing pain in TMD patients.
METHODS: Sixty-three participants treated at the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, were sorted to the LLLT group and the control splint-medication group (SMG), which received occlusal splint therapy, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment (NSAID; Ibuprofen).
RESULTS: Both therapeutic approaches resulted in significant pain reduction and improvement in patients' quality of life. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups, LLLT patients demonstrated a higher rate of successful treatment outcomes, reduction in pain intensity during the treatment.
CONCLUSION: The applied LLLT was associated with significant reduction in pain intensity and improvement in oral health-related quality of life in patients with TMD. Although no statistically significant differences between the groups were demonstrated at the individual post-treatment assessment points, these findings support LLLT as a potentially useful non-invasive conservative treatment option.