Lasers in medical science
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Lasers in medical science · Apr 2015
Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffectiveness of occlusal splints and low-level laser therapy on myofascial pain.
The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of low-level laser (Nd:YAG) therapy and occlusal splints in patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) characterized with myofascial pain (MP). A total of 30 patients were selected after being diagnosed with MP according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TDM). The patients were divided into three groups. ⋯ There was no significant difference between LLLT and OS groups after treatment (p > 0.05). OS and LLLT are effective for decreasing MP. In addition, this particular type of LLLT is as effective as occlusal splint for pain relief.
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Lasers in medical science · Apr 2015
Clinical TrialEvaluation of pain, jaw movements, and psychosocial factors in elderly individuals with temporomandibular disorder under laser phototherapy.
Few studies have been carried out on the application of laser phototherapy (LPT) for treating painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in elderly population that is growing worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pain, jaw movements, and psychosocial factors in ten elderly patients with painful TMD before and after LPT. All patients were evaluated before and after LPT by using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) axes I and II. ⋯ There were increase in maximum mouth opening without pain and reduction in muscle pain during right and left lateral excursion. A significant reduction in chronic pain severity (p = 0.02) and significant improvements in depression (p = 0.038) and nonspecific physical symptoms with pain (p = 0.0167) were observed. The present findings indicate that LPT is able to promote pain relief and improvement of jaw movements in elderly patients with TMD, with a positive effect on psychosocial aspects.