Evaluation of the efficacy of a new low-level laser therapy home protocol in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder-related pain: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Alessandro Del Vecchio; Miriam Floravanti; Armando Boccassini; Gianfranco Gaimari; Annarita Vestri; Carlo Di Paolo; Umberto Romeo

doi:10.1080/08869634.2019.1599174

Evaluation of the efficacy of a new low-level laser therapy home protocol in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder-related pain: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Cranio. 2021 Mar;39(2):141-150. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2019.1599174. Epub 2019 Apr 19.

Authors

Alessandro Del Vecchio¹, Miriam Floravanti¹, Armando Boccassini², Gianfranco Gaimari¹, Annarita Vestri³, Carlo Di Paolo², Umberto Romeo¹

Affiliations

¹ COU Oral Pathology and Medicine, Department of Oral and Maxillo Facial Sciences Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
² Department of TMJ Dysfunction, Department of Oral and Maxillo Facial Sciences Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
³ Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinic Umberto I Rome, Rome, Italy.

PMID: 30999823
DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2019.1599174

Abstract

Objective: This study analyzed a home, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) protocol to manage temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs)-related pain.Methods: Ninety TMJD patients (12M, 78F) between 18 and 73 years were randomly subdivided into three groups. Study group (SG) received 1-week home protocol LLLT by B-cure Dental Pro: 808 nm, 5 J/min, 250 mW, 15 KHz for 8', 40 J each, over pain area, twice daily. Placebo group (PG) followed the same protocol using sham devices. Drugs group (DG) received conventional drugs. Pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) before and after therapy.Results: Statistical analysis showed that treatment was effective (F(2,83) = 4.882; p = .010). Bonferroni post-hoc analysis indicated a lower pain decrease in PG. SG registered a 34-point decrease per patient, while in PG and DG, the reduction was 25.6 and 35.3, respectively.Conclusion: The study supports the efficacy of home LLLT management of TMJD related pain.

Keywords: Temporomandibular disorders; laser; laser therapy; low-level laser therapy; pain management; photobiomodulation.

Publication types

Clinical Trial Protocol

MeSH terms

Double-Blind Method
Humans
Low-Level Light Therapy*
Pain
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders* / radiotherapy
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome*
Treatment Outcome