Temporomandibular disorders: knowledge, competency, and attitudes of predoctoral dental students.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge, competency, and attitudes related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among predoctoral dental students, and to investigate the curricular organization of contents related to TMD and occlusion. METHODS: Predoctoral dental students (n = 147) answered a questionnaire with topics related to TMD. Another questionnaire evaluated the organization of TMD and occlusion courses. RESULTS: Contents related to TMD and occlusion were taught in the same course in all dental schools. The students' responses showed low agreement with the current gold standards pertaining to TMD. Most students declared that they did not feel confident to treat patients with TMD (62.6%), were not satisfied with the content pertaining to TMD (55.8%), and considered a lack of clinical practice to be the primary limitation in their training (59.2%). DISCUSSION: Students' knowledge of basic concepts related to TMD was limited, highlighting the need for readjustment of the dental curriculum to increase clinical experience.

Prosthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: prevention and implications.

The objective of this review is to identify preventive measures for COVID-19 to safeguard dental professionals providing prosthodontic dental care. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following descriptors and/or words: "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "Dental practice," "Prosthodontics," and "Dental infection control." Prosthodontists are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected disease, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as N95 masks, disposable gowns, and face-shields.

Prosthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: prevention and implications

Abstract: The objective of this review is to identify preventive measures for COVID-19 to safeguard dental professionals providing prosthodontic dental care. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the following descriptors and/or words: "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "Dental practice," "Prosthodontics," and "Dental infection control." Prosthodontists are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus through aerosols and possibly contaminated surfaces and indirect contact with dental laboratories and dental technicians through impressions, dental stone casts, and fixed and removable prosthetic appliances. Therefore, preventive measures should be implemented, including performing emergency treatments only, rescheduling patients with suspected disease, disinfecting surfaces and prosthodontic materials with biocidal substances, and using protective equipment such as N95 masks, disposable gowns, and face-shields.

Weight-loss and surface roughness of enamel after microabrasion procedure with different agents / Perda de peso e rugosidade da superfície do esmalte após procedimento de microabrasão com diferentes agentes

Introduction: Enamel microabrasion is achieved by abrasion of the enamel surface and it is a quick, practical and efficient procedure. Objective It was assessed the weight loss and surface aspect of enamel after microabrasion procedures with commercial and mixtures made in-office. Material and method Eighty bovine incisors were divided into four groups (n=10): OpalustreTM (6.6% HCl + silicon carbide); Whiteness RMTM (6% HCl + silicon carbide); 37% H3PO4 + pumice and 10% HCl + pumice. Treatment was performed by 15 applications of 10s duration. The enamel weight loss was determined by the difference in weight before and after the microabrasion. The surfaces were analyzed by a surface roughness equipment and scanning electron microscopy. Data were submitted to paired-T test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Result It was observed significantly weight loss for all groups. The difference in weight loss ranged from 0.037±0.012 for group 37% H3PO4 and from 0.054±0.009 for group 6,6% HCl. There was a significant increase in surface roughness for all groups and 10% HCl group showed the lower results (0.65±0.09). It was observed different patterns of enamel morphology by SEM images. Conclusion The in-office mixtures resulted in the lowest enamel structure loss (37% H3PO4) and the lowest surface roughness (10% HCl).

Introdução: A microabrasão do esmalte é realizada através da abrasão da superfície do mesmo, apresentando-se como um procedimento rápido, prático e eficiente. Objetivo Avaliar a perda de peso e o aspecto superficial do esmalte após procedimentos de microabrasão com agentes comerciais e não comerciais. Material e método Oitenta incisivos bovinos foram divididos em quatro grupos (n = 10): OpalustreTM (6,6% HCl + carboneto de silício); Whiteness RMTM (6% HCl + carboneto de silício); 37% H3PO4 + pedra-pomes e 10% HCl + pedra-pomes. O tratamento foi realizado em 15 aplicações de 10s de duração. A perda de peso do esmalte foi determinada pela diferença de peso antes e depois da microabrasão. As superfícies foram analisadas por equipamento de rugosidade superficial e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste T-pareado, ANOVA one-way e teste de Tukey (α = 0,05). Resultado Foi observada perda de peso significativa para todos os grupos, a diferença na perda de peso variou de -0,037±0,012 para o grupo 37% H3PO4 a -0.054±0.009 para o grupo 6.6% HCl. Houve um aumento significativo na rugosidade da superfície para todos os grupos e o grupo 10%HCl apresentou os resultados mais baixos (0,65±0,09). Foram observados diferentes padrões de morfologia do esmalte por meio de imagens MEV. Conclusão Os agentes não comerciais resultaram na menor perda de estrutura do esmalte (37% H3PO4) e na rugosidade superficial (10% HCl).

Effect of hydrochloric acid commercial presentation for microabrasion technique on loss of enamel structure and surface / Efeito da apresentação comercial de ácido clorídrico para técnica de microabrasão na perda de estrutura e superfície do esmalte

Introdução: A técnica de microabrasão pode ser realizada através de pasta pronta para uso, disponível comercialmente, ou o profissional pode manipulá-la no consultório. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito da apresentação comercial do ácido clorídrico a 10% na manipulação de pasta para microabrasão sobre a superfície do esmalte. Metodologia: Foram selecionados incisivos bovinos e divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a apresentação comercial do ácido clorídrico (líquido ou em gel). O tratamento foi realizado através de dez aplicações com 10s de duração cada, intercaladas por lavagem de 10s. Vinte incisivos (n=10) foram utilizados para se determinar a perda de estrutura do esmalte. Cada amostra foi pesada, em balança analítica, antes e após submissão à microabrasão. Outras 20 amostras (n=10) foram utilizadas para determinação da rugosidade superficial média (Ra) utilizando-se um rugosímetro. Três amostras de cada grupo do experimento anterior foram selecionadas, aleatoriamente, e outras três amostras adicionais foram preparadas como controle (baseline) para análise em MEV. Resultados: Verificou-se diferença estatística significativa entre a massa final e a inicial e rugosidade superficial das amostras, independente da apresentação comercial do ácido. Nas imagens de MEV observou-se presença de superfície regular para o grupo controle (baseline). Nas demais imagens verificou-se superfície com considerável irregularidade e dissolução discreta do esmalte. Conclusões: O tratamento realizado causou perda significativa de estrutura e aumentou a rugosidade superficial dos espécimes, independente da apresentação comercial do ácido e sem apresentar diferença entre os grupos ao final. A apresentação comercial do ácido não parece ser um fator a interferir no tratamento. (AU)

Introduction: The microabrasion technique can be performed using a commercially available paste, or the dentist can prepare it in his office. Objective: To verify the effect of hydrochloric acid commercial presentation in the handling of microabrasion paste on the enamel surface. Methodology: Bovine incisors were divided into two groups, according to the commercial presentation of 10% hydrochloric acid (liquid or gel). The treatment was carried out through ten applications of 10 s duration each, intercalated with a 10s wash. Twenty teeth (n=10) were used to determine the loss of enamel structure. Each sample was weighed on an analytical balance before and after submission to microabrasion. Another 20 teeth (n=10) were used to determine the average surface roughness (Ra) using a rugosimeter. Three samples from each group of the previous experiment were selected, randomly, and another three additional samples were repared as a control (baseline) for SEM analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the final and initial mass and the surface roughness of the samples, regardless of the acid commercial presentation. In the SEM images, a regular surface was observed for the control group (baseline). In the other images, there was a surface with considerable irregularity and a slight dissolution of the enamel. Conclusions: The treatment carried out. (AU)

Photobiostimulation activity of different low-level laser dosage on masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint in an induced arthritis rat model.

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of different dosage of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in an experimental model of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. One hundred male Wistar rats were used and divided into the following groups: CG, control group; AG, animals group with left TMJ arthritis induced by intra-articular injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant - CFA; LG5, LG10 and LG20 - animals with arthritis and treated with LLLT at doses 5, 10, and 20 J/cm2, respectively. Morphological analysis was performed by TMJ histological sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), picrosirius (PSR), and toluidine blue (TB), as well as histomorphometric evaluation of cartilage, articular disc, and masticatory muscles. The amount of feed consumed within 3 weeks was evaluated, and biochemical analysis of TMJ tissues included measurement of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 zymography, and ELISA for cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. Only the 20 J/cm2 dose promoted higher feed intake compared to AG. On the other hand, all LLLT doses promoted better organization of articular disc collagen fibers, greater number of proteoglycans in articular cartilage, increased area and diameter of left lateral pterygoid fibers, reduced latent and active MMP 9 and 2 activity, and lower IL-1ß concentration compared to AG. Considering the study limitations, it was observed that LLLT treatments were effective in protecting and tissue cleansing joint structures, accelerating tissue repair, especially at lower doses.

Experimental model of temporomandibular joint arthritis: Evaluation of contralateral joint and masticatory muscles.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate morphological and biochemical changes in an experimental model of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis, as well as examine contralateral joint involvement and morphometric aspects of masticatory muscles in affected animals. DESIGN: Forty Wistar rats were allocated into three groups, as follows: a healthy control group (HG); and a group with arthritis induced in the left TMJ (IG); and a contralateral group with noninflamed right TMJ (CG). Arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of 50 µL of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Morphological analysis was performed using histological sections of TMJs stained with hematoxylin-eosin, picrosirius and toluidine blue. In addition, histomorphometric analyses of the articular cartilage, articular disc and masticatory muscles, were performed. Biochemical analysis of TMJ tissues included dosage of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), zymography of the Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 and ELISA for the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1ß. The data were analyzed by paired and unpaired t-tests, with a p < 0.05. RESULTS: IG animals presented morphological and biochemical changes in their TMJ, including synovial membrane hyperplasia; chronic inflammatory infiltrate; collagen fiber disorganization in the disc; reduced proteoglycans in the cartilage; greater disc thickness; lower cartilage thickness; lower feed intake; higher activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2, and higher concentration of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß, as compared to HG. CG animals showed posterior disc thickening; reduced proteoglycans in the cartilage; lower collagen fiber organization of the disc; active MMP-9, and higher concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α compared to HG animals. Articular inflammation reduced the area and diameter of fibers of the temporal (right), medial pterygoid (left), and lateral pterygoid (right and left) muscles as compared to HG animals. CONCLUSION: TMJ arthritis reduced the area and diameter of masticatory muscle fibers and caused morphological and molecular changes in the contralateral joint.

Prevalência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular em estudantes pré-vestibulandos: associação de fatores emocionais, hábitos parafuncionais e impacto na qualidade de vida / Prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in college preparatory students: associations with emotional factors, parafunctional habits, and impact on quality of life

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM), sua associação com gênero, hábitos parafuncionais, tensão emocional, ansiedade e depressão e, o seu impacto sobre a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde oral (QVRSO) em estudantes pré-vestibulandos de instituições públicas e privadas de João Pessoa/PB. A presença de sintomas de DTM foi determinada através de questionário anamnésico, contendo também questões relacionadas à presença de hábitos parafuncionais e tensão emocional. Um protocolo simplificado de avaliação clínica foi aplicado. Ansiedade e depressão foram determinadas através da escala Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) e, a QVRSO avaliada por meio da versão resumida do Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Foram realizados testes de Qui-quadrado, Exato de Fisher, Mann Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. A presença de sinais e sintomas de DTM foi estatisticamente associada ao gênero feminino, hábitos parafuncionais, tensão emocional e ansiedade, e representou maior comprometimento da QVRSO. A elevada prevalência de sinais e sintomas de DTM entre os estudantes pré-vestibulandos sinaliza a necessidade de divulgação e esclarecimento de professores e alunos visando o diagnóstico precoce e a prevenção.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) signs and symptoms, its correlation with gender, parafunctional habits, emotional stress, anxiety, and depression and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL) in college preparatory students at public and private institutions in João Pessoa, Paraíba (PB). The sample consisted of 303 students. Presence of TMD symptoms was determined by an anamnesis questionnaire containing questions related to the presence of parafunctional habits and emotional stress. A simplified clinical evaluation protocol was used. Anxiety and depression were determined with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and the OHRQL using the short version contained in the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The Chi-square, Fisher Exact, Mann Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. Presence of signs and symptoms of TMD was statistically associated (p ≤ 0,05) with female gender, parafunctional habits, emotional stress, and anxiety, and represented greater impairment of the OHRQL. The physical pain domain was the most affected. The increased prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD among college preparatory students indicates that there is a need for education and clarification among teachers and students to improve early diagnosis and to prevent the problem.

Prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in college preparatory students: associations with emotional factors, parafunctional habits, and impact on quality of life. / Prevalência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular em estudantes pré-vestibulandos: associação de fatores emocionais, hábitos parafuncionais e impacto na qualidade de vida.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) signs and symptoms, its correlation with gender, parafunctional habits, emotional stress, anxiety, and depression and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL) in college preparatory students at public and private institutions in João Pessoa, Paraíba (PB). The sample consisted of 303 students. Presence of TMD symptoms was determined by an anamnesis questionnaire containing questions related to the presence of parafunctional habits and emotional stress. A simplified clinical evaluation protocol was used. Anxiety and depression were determined with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and the OHRQL using the short version contained in the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The Chi-square, Fisher Exact, Mann Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. Presence of signs and symptoms of TMD was statistically associated (p ≤ 0,05) with female gender, parafunctional habits, emotional stress, and anxiety, and represented greater impairment of the OHRQL. The physical pain domain was the most affected. The increased prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD among college preparatory students indicates that there is a need for education and clarification among teachers and students to improve early diagnosis and to prevent the problem.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM), sua associação com gênero, hábitos parafuncionais, tensão emocional, ansiedade e depressão e, o seu impacto sobre a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde oral (QVRSO) em estudantes pré-vestibulandos de instituições públicas e privadas de João Pessoa/PB. A presença de sintomas de DTM foi determinada através de questionário anamnésico, contendo também questões relacionadas à presença de hábitos parafuncionais e tensão emocional. Um protocolo simplificado de avaliação clínica foi aplicado. Ansiedade e depressão foram determinadas através da escala Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) e, a QVRSO avaliada por meio da versão resumida do Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Foram realizados testes de Qui-quadrado, Exato de Fisher, Mann Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. A presença de sinais e sintomas de DTM foi estatisticamente associada ao gênero feminino, hábitos parafuncionais, tensão emocional e ansiedade, e representou maior comprometimento da QVRSO. A elevada prevalência de sinais e sintomas de DTM entre os estudantes pré-vestibulandos sinaliza a necessidade de divulgação e esclarecimento de professores e alunos visando o diagnóstico precoce e a prevenção.

Temporomandibular disorders and oral habits in high-school adolescents: a public health issue? / Disfunção temporomandibular e sua relação com hábitos parafuncionais em adolescentes estudantes do ensino médio: um problema de saúde pública?

ABSTRACT Objective: Determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and its relationship with parafunctional habits in a sample of adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of 129 high school students, between 16 and 19 years old in public schools. Data were collected through: a questionnaire about parafunctional habits and TMD symptoms, the Fonseca's index (DMF) and a summarized protocol of clinical evaluation of the TMD signals. These data were analyzed in a descriptive way, using statistical analysis by Chi-square test (x2) and Fisher's Exact test. Results: 84.5% of individuals showed a degree of auto-reported dysfunction. The most frequent parafunctional habit was chewing gum (65.9%) while the habit of biting objects was significantly associated with the presence of TMD symptoms (p = 0.042). There was a statistically significant association between TMD symptoms with variables such as gender (p = 0.032) habits (p = 0.014) and emotional stress (p <0.01), besides the association between the need of treatment and gender (p = 0.002) and stress (p <0.01). In addition, there was an association between muscle tenderness, unilateral mastication (p = 0.045) and chewing ice / lollipop (p = 0.04). Conclusion: It was concluded that there was not only a high incidence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction and parafunctional habits in high school students, but also an association among them, becoming necessary to establish public policies of prevention and access to treatment for these problems for that specific age group.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular e sua relação com hábitos parafuncionais em uma amostra de adolescentes. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída de 129 estudantes, de 16 a 19 anos de escolas públicas de ensino médio. Os dados foram coletados por meio de: um questionário sobre os hábitos parafuncionais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular, o Índice anamnésico DMF de Fonseca e um protocolo resumido de avaliação clínica de disfunção temporomandibular. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva, com a análise estatística realizada pelo Teste Qui-quadrado (x2) e Exato de Fisher. Resultados: Houve prevalência de 84,5% de indivíduos com algum grau de disfunção temporomandibular. O hábito parafuncional mais frequente foi o de mascar chicletes (65,9%) e o hábito de morder objetos teve associação significativa com a presença de disfunção temporomandibular (p=0,042) Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre sexo e disfunção temporomandibular (p=0,032), disfunção temporomandibular e hábitos (p=0,014), disfunção temporomandibular e tensão emocional (p<0,01) e tensão e necessidade de tratamento (p<0,01). Além disso, houve associação entre sensibilidade muscular e mastigação unilateral (p=0,045) e mastigação de gelo/pirulitos (p=0,04). Conclusão: Conclui-se que nos adolescentes do ensino médio houve alta prevalência de disfunção temporomandibular e hábitos parafuncionais, bem como a associação entre os dois, sendo necessário o estabelecimento de políticas públicas de prevenção e acesso a tratamento para esse problema e grupo etário específico.

The knowledge level of dental surgeons regarding the relationship between occlusal factors and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) / Nível de conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre a relação entre fatores oclusais e Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM)

Introduction: The relationship between dental occlusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) remains a subject of disagreement. Many professionals erroneously base diagnosis and treatment strictly on the occlusal factor, despite the fact that current scientific evidence does not show such a relationship. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of dental surgeons (DSs) from João Pessoa (PB)-Brazil, regarding the relationship between occlusal factors and TMD. Materials and method: A sample of 100 DSs who do not have expertise in TMD and orofacial pain (CG Group) and seven DSs with this specialty (EG Group) completed a questionnaire that addresses issues concerning knowledge of TMD and its relationship with occlusal factors. The questionnaire also contained information used to characterize the sample, such as age, gender, and length of experience. The current literature's degree of consensus was established as the "gold standard" response for each statement and was compared with the responses of the specialists and non-specialists. Data were tabulated using the SPSS software package and analyzed descriptively (by percentage) and statistically using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05). Result: A wide divergence could be observed between the knowledge of DSs who do not specialize in TMD and orofacial pain and that of professionals who do. Conclusion: There was low agreement between specialists and non-specialists. The relationship between dental occlusion and TMD remains unclear for the vast majority of participating professionals, which may prove to be reflected in diagnostic behaviors and inappropriate occlusal treatment for the management of TMD.

Introdução: A relação da oclusão dentária com a Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) ainda gera divergências. Muitos profissionais erroneamente baseiam o diagnóstico e a terapia estritamente no fator oclusal, apesar das evidências científicas atuais não mostrarem tal relação. Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas (CDs) de João Pessoa-PB, acerca da relação entre fatores oclusais e DTM. Material e método: Uma amostra de 100 CDs que não possuem especialização em DTM e Dor Orofacial (Grupo GN), além de sete CDs com essa especialidade (Grupo GE) preencheram questionário abordando assuntos relativos ao conhecimento da DTM e sua relação com fatores oclusais. O questionário continha também informações para caracterização da amostra como idade, gênero e tempo de formado. O grau de consenso da literatura atual para cada sentença foi estabelecido como "padrão-ouro" de resposta, o qual foi comparado com as respostas dos especialistas e não especialistas. Os dados foram tabulados no programa SPSS e analisados de forma descritiva (através de porcentagens) e, estatística, por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher (p<0,05). Resultado: Observou-se grande divergência no conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sem especialidade em DTM e Dor Orofacial com os profissionais dessa especialidade. Conclusão: Houve baixa concordância entre os especialistas e não especialistas. A relação entre oclusão dentária e disfunção temporomandibular ainda permanece obscura para a grande maioria dos profissionais entrevistados, o que pode vir a se refletir em condutas de diagnóstico e tratamento oclusal inadequadas para o manejo das DTM.

Low- level laser therapy for temporomandibular disorders ( tmd) treatment: a systematic review of randomized trials

AIM: Conducting a systematic review of randomized clinical trials focusing on the efficacy of LLLT on pain control in patients with TMD, diagnosed by the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Search was performed at PubMed/MEDLINE database with the terms: (1) "Laser AND temporomandibular disorders"; (2) "Laser AND temporomandibular disorders AND RDC/TMD"; (3) "Low-level laser therapy AND temporomandibular disorders"; (4) "Low-level laser therapy AND temporomandibular disorders AND RDC/TMD"; (5) "Low-level laser therapy AND temporomandibular joint dysfuntion syndrome"; (6) "Low-level laser therapy AND temporomandibular joint dysfuntion syndrome AND RDC/TMD"; (7) "Laser AND temporomandibular joint dysfuntion syndrome" (8) "Laser AND RDC/TMD"; (9) "Low-level laser therapy AND RDC/TMD". Inclusion criteria: articles need to be randomized clinical trial performed in humans; evaluate the effect of LLLT in the treatment of TMD diagnosed by the use of RDC/TMD; published in English or Portuguese in the last 10 years. Protocol studies and pilot studies were excluded. RESULTS: Ten studies were included. The type of laser used was Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (GaAlAs) diode, with exception of 1 paper, which used super pulsed Gallium Arsenide laser. Eight studies reported decreased in pain levels, in two articles there was no statistically significant difference between test and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: In most studies, LLLT was effective in pain remission, but there is no standardization in parameters like wavelength, output power and frequency. Studies with more complex experimental designs, standardized diagnostic criteria for TMD and defined protocols for the use of LLLT are needed to determine its efficacy in the treatment of TMD.