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Review
. 2015 Jan;27(1):295-301.
doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.295. Epub 2015 Jan 9.

Analysis of laser therapy and assessment methods in the rehabilitation of temporomandibular disorder: a systematic review of the literature

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Review

Analysis of laser therapy and assessment methods in the rehabilitation of temporomandibular disorder: a systematic review of the literature

Carolina Marciela Herpich et al. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Jan.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the effects of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of TMD, and to analyze the use of different assessment tools. [Subjects and Methods] Searches were carried out of the BIREME, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO electronic databases by two independent researchers for papers published in English and Portuguese using the terms: "temporomandibular joint laser therapy" and "TMJ laser treatment". [Results] Following the application of the eligibility criteria, 11 papers were selected for in-depth analysis. The papers analyzed exhibited considerable methodological differences, especially with regard to the number of sessions, anatomic site and duration of low-level laser therapy irradiation, as well as irradiation parameters, diagnostic criteria and assessment tools. [Conclusion] Further studies are needed, especially randomized clinical trials, to establish the exact dose and ideal parameters for low-level laser therapy and define the best assessment tools in this promising field of research that may benefit individuals with signs and symptoms of TMD.

Keywords: Electromyography; Laser; Temporomandibular joint disorder.

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Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Articles included in this review *The sum of articles in each category totals more than the number of articles included in the review due to the fact that some studies reported more than one outcome.

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