title: Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the scientific evidence on the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
  
  
  METHODS
  The databases of PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register, and PEDro were manually and electronically searched up to February 2010. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted, and assessed the quality of the publications. A meta-analysis- was performed to quantify the pooled effect of LLLT on pain and function in patients with chronic TMD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature search identified 323 papers without overlap between selected databases, but after the two-phase study selection, only six randomized clinical trials (RCT) were included in the systematic review. The primary outcome of interest was the change in pain from baseline to endpoint. The pooled effect of LLLT on pain, measured through a visual analog scale with a mean difference of 7.77 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.49 to 18.02), was not statistically significant from placebo. Change from baseline to endpoint of secondary outcomes was 4.04 mm (95% CI 3.06 to 5.02) for mandibular maximum vertical opening; 1.64 mm (95% CI 0.10 to 3.17) for right lateral excursion and 1.90 mm (95% CI: -4.08 to 7.88) for left lateral excursion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Currently, there is no evidence to support the effectiveness of LLLT in the treatment of TMD.
authors.affiliation: Gnathology Department, School of Dentistry, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. petrucci.ambra@gmail.com
authors.forename: Ambra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petrucci
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sgolastra
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gatto
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mattei
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monaco
mesh_terms: D005157:Facial Pain / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000528:radiation effects; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome