Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder

Aims To evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients presenting with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in a random and placebo-controlled research design.Methods The sample consisted of 40 patients, divided into an experimental group (G1) and a placebo group (G2). The treatment was done with an infrared laser (830nm, 500mW, 20s, 4J/point) at the painful points, once a week for four consecutive weeks. The patients were evaluated before and after the treatment through a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Craniomandibular Index (CMI).Results The baseline and posttherapy values of VAS and CMI were compared by the paired T-test, separately for the placebo and laser groups. A significant difference was observed between initial and final values (p 0.05).Conclusion After either placebo or laser therapy, pain and temporomandibular symptoms were significantly lower, although there was no significant difference between groups. The low-level laser therapy was not effective in the treatment of TMD, when compared to the placebo.