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. 2019 Oct;19(5):289-294.
doi: 10.17245/jdapm.2019.19.5.289. Epub 2019 Oct 30.

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

Sanyukta Khairnar  1 , Kalyani Bhate  1 , Santhosh Kumar S N  1 , Kapil Kshirsagar  2 , Bhagyashree Jagtap  1 , Pradnya Kakodkar  1
Affiliations

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

Sanyukta Khairnar et al. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2019 Oct.

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.

Keywords: Low-Level Laser Therapy; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Ultrasonic Therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None

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