Low level laser therapy in treatment of TMJ and masticator muscles disease

Abstract

A sample of 11 patients showing temporomandibular joint disease, in one or both sides, was selected. Clinical examinations were performed on patients to define which side was the most compromised by the disease. Only the worst side was chosen to be treated by the laser therapy. The Laser Unit used was a diode laser (AlGaAs) in which the wavelength was 810 nm (infra-red spectrum). Irradiations were done in tree points of TMJ, with 22,5 J/cm2; two points in the masseter muscle, with 15 J/cm2; and tree points in the temporal muscle, with 7,5 J/cm2. All points were irradiated for 30 seconds. The other side, of lesser complaint received a sham therapy. Treatment was done during two weeks, tree irradiation with 48 hours interval in the first week, and two irradiations with the same interval in the second week. Patients reported improvement in relation to the level of pain, mainly after the forth irradiation, and the level of pain decreased until the last day of treatment. In relation to the degree of mouth opening, the majority of patients showed a significant increase, mainly after the fifth day of irradiation.