Efficacy of low‐level laser therapy in the treatment of TMDs: a meta‐analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). We searched electronic databases and references lists of relevant articles, retrieved all of the published randomised controlled trials in regard to these issues and then performed a meta-analysis. Fourteen highly qualified RCTs reporting on a total of 454 patients, which evaluated the effectiveness of LLLT for patients suffering from TMDs were retrieved. The results indicated that LLLT was not better than placebo in reducing chronic TMD pain (weighted mean difference = -19·39; 95% confidence interval = -40·80-2·03; P < 0·00001; I(2) = 99%). However, the LLLT provided significant better functional outcomes in terms of maximum active vertical opening (MAVO) (weighted mean difference = 4·18; 95% confidence interval = 0·73-7·63; P = 0·006; I(2) = 73%), maximum passive vertical opening (MPVO) (weighted mean difference = 6·73; 95% confidence interval = 01·34-12·13; P = 0·06; I(2) = 73%), protrusion excursion (PE) (weighted mean difference = 1·81; 95% confidence interval = 0·79-2·83; P = 0·59; I(2) = 0%) and right lateral excursion (RLE) (weighted mean difference = 2·86; 95% confidence interval = 1·27-4·45; P = 0·01; I(2) = 73%). The results of our meta-analysis have provided the best evidence on the efficacy of LLLT in the treatment of TMDs. This study indicates that using LLLT has limited efficacy in reducing pain in patients with TMDs. However, LLLT can significantly improve the functional outcomes of patients with TMDs.

Acupuncture therapy in the management of the clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders

“…Various treatments have been implemented for the treatment of TMD, including pharmacological therapy, psychological therapy, occlusal therapy, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, acupuncture therapy, and surgical interventions. [11–14] In cases of myofascial pain, strategies often target muscle relaxation. [5] Acupuncture is a commonly used strategy for pain relief in these cases, in which an acupuncture needle or, more often, multiple needles are inserted at the appropriate acupuncture points.…”

Efectos del Láser de Baja Intensidad (As-Ga-Al 904 nm) sobre el Cóndilo Mandibular de Conejos: Análisis a través de Tomografía Computadorizada Cone Beam

“…En el tratamiento de los trastornos temporomandibulares (TTMs) los resultados clínicos demuestran que el tratamiento por LBI es eficaz, siendo un método no invasivo indicado para el alivio del dolor agudo y especialmente del dolor miofascial crónico (Simunovic, 1996). Sin embargo, algunos investigadores señalan que el LBI presenta eficacia limitada en la reducción del dolor, no habiendo diferencias entre el grupo de pacientes con TTM tratados con LBI y el grupo placebo (Venancio et al, 2005;Emshoff et al, 2008;Chen et al, 2015).…”

Analysis of electric field and emission spectrum in the glow discharge of therapeutic plasma electrode

“…Chen et al [41] in their meta-analysis (14 reports) concluded that R-NIR light therapy did not significantly reduce pain but did significantly improved the functional outcomes of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Panhoca et al [42] showed that low-level R-NIR photo-stimulation can be useful in improving outcomes related to pain relief and mandibular range of motion for TMD patients, while de Castro et al [43] reported reduction of inflammatory infiltrate in the TMJ.…”