Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients presenting with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in a random and placebo-controlled research design.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 40 patients, divided into an experimental group (G1) and a placebo group (G2). The treatment was done with an infrared laser (830nm, 500mW, 20s, 4J/point) at the painful points, once a week for four consecutive weeks. The patients were evaluated before and after the treatment through a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Craniomandibular Index (CMI).


RESULTS
The baseline and posttherapy values of VAS and CMI were compared by the paired T-test, separately for the placebo and laser groups. A significant difference was observed between initial and final values (p < 0.05) in both groups. Baseline and post-therapy values of pain and CMI were compared in the therapy groups by the two-sample T-test, yet no significant differences were observed regarding VAS and CMI (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
After either placebo or laser therapy, pain and temporomandibular symptoms were significantly lower, although there was no significant difference between groups. The low-level laser therapy was not effective in the treatment of TMD, when compared to the placebo.
da Cunha
Lia Alves
LA
Benjamim Manoel Amarante, São José dos campos, SP, Brazil. liaalves@hotmail.com
Firoozmand
Leily Macedo
LM
da Silva
Andressa Pereira
AP
Camargo
Samira Esteves Afonso
SE
Esteves
Samira Afonso
SA
Oliveira
Wagner
W
D000328:Adult; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D017211:Treatment Failure