Application of Laser Therapy in treatment of intra-articular temporomandibular disorders

Objectives:The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Low Level Laser Therapy (As-Al-Ga) in treatment of intra-articular temporomandibular disorders (TMD) before, during and after laser applications. An 780 nm Laser device was used (Twin Set, MM Optics Ltda) with a power of 70 mW and energy output of 17,5 J/cm2 (infrared). Methods:The sample consisting of 15 subjects with chronic intra-articular temporomandibular disorders who presented joint disk displacements with reduction (noise joint) and pain to manual palpation in lateral condylar pole for more than 3 months. The treatment laser was performed twice a week for sixty days, totalising 16 applications in 5 condylar points: anterior, superior, posterior and inferior-posterior condylar positions, and in height of external ear. Parameters of clinical evaluation were maximum mouth opening and pain to manual palpation in lateral condylar pole through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS: 0-10). These measurements were taken in onset of research, 15 days after the first application, 30, 60 and concluding 30 days after of termination applications. Results: Results of maximum mouth opening measurements were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis'Test showed an increase in range of motion during the applications with a level of significance of 5%. Concerning about painful perception to manual palpation, was performed ANOVA which showed a decrease in symptomatology along applications with a level of significance of 1%. Nevertheless, to clarify which amongst the pain averages relative the evaluated periods were statistically differents, performed the Tukey's Test and obtained significance in all them. Conclusions: There were an increase in range of mandibular motion and decrease in painful symptomatology along laser applications.