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. 2021 Mar-Apr;14(2):148-164.
doi: 10.25122/jml-2020-0169.

Low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review

Syed Ansar Ahmad  1 , Shamimul Hasan  2 , Shazina Saeed  3 , Ateeba Khan  4 , Munna Khan  5
Affiliations

Low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review

Syed Ansar Ahmad et al. J Med Life. 2021 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a wide array of ailments affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), muscles of mastication, and the allied structural framework. Myofascial pain, internal derangement of the joint, and degenerative joint diseases constitute the majority of TMDs. TMDs usually have a multifactorial etiology, and treatment modalities range from conservative therapies to surgical interventions. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has evolved as an efficient non-invasive therapeutic modality in TMDs. Previously conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown variable results regarding the efficiency of LLLT in TMJ disorder patients. Hence, this systematic review was carried out as an attempt to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder patients.

Keywords: low-level laser therapy (LLLT); pain intensity; randomized controlled trials (RCTs); temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs).

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Selection of studies for the systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Robvis output for risk bias assessment.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Weighted output for risk bias assessment.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Weighted output for risk bias assessment.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Weighted output for risk bias assessment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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