Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Management of Temporomandibular Joint Pain: A Double Blind and Placebo Controlled Trial

Stomatognathic system is an interaction of the muscles of mastication, dentition, neural component, and temporomandibular joint. Any dysfunction in this system may lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Various non-surgical modalities have been employed for treating TMDs. The aim of the study was to objectively evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treatment of patients with TMDs. Sixty individuals diagnosed with TMDs were divided randomly into two groups (Group I—placebo and Group II -LLLT). A series of 20 sessions of LLLT applied both in closed mouth and maximum mouth opening position were given over a period of 08 weeks. Assessment was done in terms of improvement in mouth opening, pain, clicking, and deviation of mandible. The data collected were analyzed statistically. The results showed improvement in the pain reduction, improvement in the maximum mouth opening, reduction in deviation, and clicking in both groups but better treatment outcome in the low-level laser group. Though conservative measures improved the symptoms in TMD but LLLT has shown better results in comparison with the placebo group. Being non-surgical can be employed in combination with other modes for effectively treating such disorders. Keywords: Pain, Dysfunction, Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), Low-level laser therapy (LLLT).