J Dent Anesth Pain Med.  2019 Oct;19(5):289-294. 10.17245/jdapm.2019.19.5.289.

Comparative evaluation of low-level laser therapy and ultrasound heat therapy in reducing temporomandibular joint disorder pain

• Khairnar S
• Bhate K
• S.N. SK
• Kshirsagar K
• Jagtap B
• Kakodkar P

• KMID: 2461245
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2019.19.5.289

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pain, limitations in opening, asymmetrical jaw movements, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are the most common findings in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), which causes excruciating pain, inflammation of the surrounding muscles, posterior fibers, and synovial fluid. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of ultrasound heat therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing TMD-related pain.
METHODS
This prospective study included 42 patients (age range, 25-45 years), who were divided into two groups of 21 patients each. All patients were prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) twice a day for 5 days for temporary relief of pain prior to the commencement of treatment. Patients were kept on a soft diet and asked to restrict mouth opening during the same period. Fifteen sessions of LLLT (Group A) or ultrasound therapy (Group B) were administered to the affected side.
RESULTS
Post-therapy, the mean visual analog scale score for group A and group B was 4.81 (2.01) and 6.19 (1.20), respectively; the difference was statistically significant and favoring the LLLT group. Similarly, the mean mouth opening for group A and group B was 3.99 (0.40) and 3.65 (0.41), respectively; the difference was statistically significant and favoring the LLLT group.
CONCLUSION
Our study recommends LLLT for treating TMD-related pain with no underlying bony pathology.

Keyword

Low-Level Laser Therapy; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Ultrasonic Therapy

MeSH Terms

Diet
Hot Temperature*
Humans
Inflammation
Jaw
Low-Level Light Therapy*
Mouth
Muscles
Pathology
Prospective Studies
Synovial Fluid
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders*
Temporomandibular Joint*
Ultrasonic Therapy
Ultrasonography*
Visual Analog Scale

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