Low-level lasertherapy associated to occlusal splint to treat temporomandibular disorder: controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Most widely used treatment modality for temporomandibular disorders is the occlusal splint. Low-level lasertherapy has been used as therapeutic agent, however as isolated treatment. So, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of the association of low-level lasertherapy and occlusal splint to treat temporomandibular disorders. METHODS: Participated in the study 25 selected patients according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders protocol. Control group (CG) was made up of 12 asymptomatic volunteers. Two groups were randomly formed: "splint-laser" (SLG), being treated with occlusal splint and associated low-level lasertherapy; "splint" (SG), treated with occlusal splint only. Jaw movements, pain at palpation and selfperception of signs and symptoms were investigated before and after treatment. RESULTS: There has been significant decrease in pain at palpation and reported pain according to self-perception of signs and symptoms for both groups, however more significant for SLG. There has been increased amplitude of jaw movements with significant difference after treatment for both groups. CONCLUSION: The association of low-level lasertherapy and occlusal splint to treat temporomandibular disorders has promoted more marked pain decrease as compared to occlusal splint alone. Placebo effect should not be discarded and should be tested in future studies.

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