title: Laser application effects on the bite strength of the masseter muscle, as an orofacial pain treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present research studies the effects of AsGaAl (low-intensity laser) on the bite strength of the masseter muscle in order to evaluate the contribution of laser therapy in patients with orofacial pain.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Studies on laser therapy suggest its usefulness in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. This paper presents the effects of low-intensity laser in the contraction of the masseter muscle in patients with neuromuscular discomfort.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients of both genders, ages 19-29, suffering from pain in the masseter muscle, were exposed to laser application (AsGaAl) applied from a 2-mm distance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients showed improvement in muscle contraction strength of about 2.51-3.01 kgf on the right and left masseter muscle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that low-level laser application is an effective tool for the treatment of patients with orofacial pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, Brazil. gfvieira@fo.usp.br
authors.forename: José Suzano
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: de Medeiros
authors.forename: Glauco Fioranelli
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Vieira
authors.forename: Priscilla Yumi
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Nishimura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000503:physiopathology; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*