Comparison of the efficiency of two alternative therapies for the management of temporomandibular disorders.

Objective: To investigate the effect of ozone and low-level laser (LLL) therapies on pain and function in patients with disc displacement with reduction.Methods: Eighty temporomandibular joints were divided into four groups, namely ozone and laser treatment groups, and two placebo groups. Ozone and LLL therapies were applied over six sessions.Results: Pain on palpation scores demonstrated a statistically significant decrease over time in the treatment groups. Sham laser therapy only reduced the pain on palpation in temporomandibular joints; whereas, sham ozone only affected masseter muscle pain. The ozone treatment group demonstrated significantly better pressure pain threshold scores and mandibular movements than the other groups; however, pressure pain threshold scores of the masseter inferior were significantly higher in the laser group.Discussion: This study supports the use of ozone for pain reduction as an alternative treatment modality and LLL as a supportive therapy for temporomandibular disorders.

Management of pain in TMD patients: Bio-oxidative ozone therapy versus occlusal splints.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of bio-oxidative ozone application with occlusal splints in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with pain. METHODS: Forty participants were selected after the diagnosis of TMD and randomly divided into two groups: ozone group (OG, n = 20) and occlusal splint group (OCSG, n = 20). Ozone was applied to patients three times per week, for a total of six sessions. Patients in the OCSG were instructed to use occlusal splints every night over a period of four weeks. RESULTS: Mandibular movements showed significant differences for the time factor in OG and OCSG. Pressure pain thresholds of the temporal and masseter muscles at follow-up were significantly higher in the OCSG group. Both treatments statistically decreased the visual analog scale (VAS) scores. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between groups after the application of treatments. DISCUSSION: Occlusal splint treatment is still the gold treatment modality for objective pain relief in patients with TMD pain.