Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Treatment of Temporomandibular

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients presenting temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in a random and placebo-controlled research design. Methods: The sample consisted of 40 patients, divided into experimental group (G1) and placebo group (G2). The treatment was done with infrared laser (830 nm, 500 mW, 20s, 4 J/point) at the painful points, once a week during four consecutive weeks. The patients were evaluated before and after the treatment through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Craniomandibular Index (CMI). Results: the baseline and post-therapy values of VAS and CMI were compared by the paired T-test, separately for the placebo and laser groups. A significant difference was observed between initial and final values (p<0.05) in both groups. Baseline and post-therapy values of pain and Craniomandibular Index were compared in the therapy groups by the two-sample T-test, no significant differences were observed regarding VAS and CMI (p>0.05). Conclusion: After either placebo or laser therapy, pain and temporomandibular symptoms were significantly lower. There was no significant difference between groups, although laser therapy presented better outcomes than placebo.