Early results of low-level laser application for masticatory muscle pain: a double-blind randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of Low Level Laser (LLL) application at the points of greatest pain in patients with chronic masticatory muscle pain. METHODS: A total number of 30 (21 women, 9 men, with a mean age of 39.2) were selected after the diagnosis of MPDS according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD). The patients were randomly divided into three groups; laser group I (n = 10); patients received the LLL at the point of greatest pain, laser group II (n = 10); patients received LLL at pre-established points in the effected muscles and placebo group (n = 10). LLL and placebo were applied three times per week, for a total of 12 sessions. Mandibular mobility was examined, masticator muscles tenderness were assessed and PPT values were obtained. Subjective pain levels were evaluated using VAS. The measurements performed before the treatment and after the completion of the therapy. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and frequency) Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and paired-sample t-tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: In both laser groups, there was a statically significant reduction in PPT values of the muscles, number of muscles without any pain on palpation increased significantly, mandibular movements' ranges were improved. Laser group I demonstrated statistically better results than the Laser group II in all of the measured values. Plasebo group did not show any statistically difference in any of the measured values. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT can be accepted as an alternative treatment modality in the management of masticatory muscle pain and direct irradiation seems to effect better. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN31085 , Date of registration 28/08/20145.

Evaluation of orofacial function in temporomandibular disorder patients after low-level laser therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy on occlusal contact area, occlusal pressure and bite force in temporomandibular disorder patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twenty patients (14 women, six men, mean age 33.1 ± 3.8 years) diagnosed with myofascial pain according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD) participated in the study. Twenty healthy individuals, matched in age and gender, served as a control group. Low-level laser was applied to the mastication muscles three times per week, for a total of 10 sessions. The mandibular mobility range was evaluated. The maximum bite force, occlusal contact area and occlusal pressure were measured bilaterally with a dental pre-scale before and after treatment. All variables were analyzed descriptively. Changes in the masticatory muscle tenderness, mandibular movements, maximum bite force, occlusal contact area and occlusal pressure were compared by paired-sample Student's t-tests. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the pressure pain threshold of the examined muscles. Mandibular movements were significantly improved in all patients. There was also a significant decrease in pain by palpation after laser exposure. However, no significant change was found in the maximum bite force, occlusal contact area or occlusal pressure after the treatment and also the values after the treatment were still significantly lower than those of the healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: This particular type of LLLT is effective at relieving pain but does not provide physical improvement.