The effect of low-level laser therapy on functional improvements in the temporomandibular joints: randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) - recognized as the most common chronic orofacial pain condition - significantly impacts individuals’ quality of life and social coexistence. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on functional improvements in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Method: The research was carried out at the Universidade Federal do Piauí on 32 young adults with signs and symptoms of TMD, who were divided into the intervention group (IG) and the control group (CG). The IG was administered the LLLT application directly on the TMJ. While both groups were subjected to the same procedures, for the CG, the laser device was turned off. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.87 ± 2.4 years, with a predominance of females (87.5%) over males (12.5%). Homogeneity was observed between the CG and IG concerning the presence of pain from palpation. The decrease in the pain of the musculature was relevant, with emphasis on the IG, which used LLLT. Moreover, there was an increase in participants, who rated on the pain scale their pain as “0” (no pain), and presented increased measures of joint mobility of the mandible and cervical spine, with relief of the painful symptoms, by breaking the pain-spasm-pain cycle. Conclusion: LLLT promotes a significant reduction of pain from palpation, improves the range of motion, and generates immediate and long-lasting benefits.

Use of “Bicondylar” as a Descriptive Term for the Temporomandibular Joint: A Scoping Review

“…Two calibrated researchers conducted the search and each article were analyzed according to specific categories: authors, year of publication, country of origin, language and the Regarding the use of the term "bicondylar", it was determined that 50 % of the articles referred to this term but did not explain it (category I); 25 % cited this term to refer to the location in the left and right mandibular condyles (category II); and 25 % the articles use the term and explain it according to the morphology of the articular surfaces (category III). In category II, the articles used phrases such as "The right and left TMJ form a bicondylar articulation" (Baral et al, 2020) or "It is considered a bicondylar joint, since it works simultaneously at both ends of the mandible" (Veras et al, 2021). In category III, the articles used phrases such as "(TMJ is) bicondylar (…) since the condyle of the mandible faces the condyle of the temporal bone" (Contreras et al, 2017); "(TMJ) is a large bicondylar joint consisting of the osseous components which are the glenoid fossa and the mandibular condyle" (Al-Bahrani, 2017) and "the TMJ between the articular fossa of temporal bone above and the mandibular condyle is bicondylar variety of synovial joint" (Nripendra et al, 2017).…”

“…The TMJ is considered as one of the most complex joints of the human body (Pai et al, 2019;Greven et al 2020;Veras et al, 2021) *Use of term: I= the term is used without explaining or defining it; II= the term is used to refer to the joints being located in the left and right condyles of the jaw; III= the term is used to describe a morphological feature of the articular components of the joint ** Descriptive of TMJ: i) TMJ is considered as a single joint complex; ii) The right and left joints are considered as two different TMJs.…”

“…TMJ has been described as a "bicondylar joint" (Dagȇ t al., 2019;Sakul et al, 2019;Veras et al, 2021). In arthrology, a joint is considered ellipsoid (condylar) when the joint surfaces are represented by two ellipsoidal segments.…”

“…A bicondylar joint is usually considered when two convex surfaces slide together, as it happens in TMJ and the knee joint (Sakul et al, 2019). However, the term "bicondylar" is used in multiple contexts in the current scientific literature reporting dissimilar forms and disagreements in the correct use of the term; while for some authors this term refers to two ellipsoidal condyles facing each other in the same joint (Sakul et al, 2019;Meyvaci et al, 2020), for others "bicondylar" refers to a TMJ is composed by right and a left condyle (Pai et al, 2019;Duman et al, 2020;Veras et al, 2021).…”

Comparison of low‐level laser therapy and standard treatment for temporomandibular disorders: An assessment of therapeutic and placebo effects

“…12 Despite extensive research on the use of low-power lasers for TMD treatment, the extent of their effectiveness remains uncertain. 6,[13][14][15][16][17] Low-power lasers emit electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum of red or infrared light waves and are used to treat various pathological conditions such as wound healing problems, pain and inflammation. [18][19][20][21] Review articles and various studies on the therapeutic effect of low-power lasers in reducing pain and improving the conditions of patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis in the knees and spine have reported positive results.…”