Analysis of laser therapy and assessment methods in the rehabilitation of temporomandibular disorder: a systematic review of the literature

Authors:
Carolina Marciela Herpich1)*, Ana Paula Amaral1), Ernesto Cesar Pinto Leal-Junior2), Juliana de Paiva Tosato3), Cid Andre Fidelis de Paula Gomes4), Éric Edmur Camargo Arruda1), Igor Phillip dos Santos Glória1), Marilia Barbosa Santos Garcia1), Bruno Roberto Borges Barbosa1), Monique Sampaio Rodrigues4), Katiane Lima Silva4), Yasmin El Hage5), Fabiano Politti5), Tabajara de Oliveira Gonzalez6), Sandra Kalil Bussadori1), Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez1)
Source:
J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 27: 295–301, 2015

Abstract

low-level laser therapy in the treatment of TMD, and to analyze the use of different assessment tools. [Subjects and Methods] Searches were carried out of the BIREME, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO electronic databases by two independent researchers for papers published in English and Portuguese using the terms: “temporomandibular joint laser therapy” and “TMJ laser treatment”. [Results] Following the application of the eligibility criteria, 11 papers were selected for in-depth analysis. The papers analyzed exhibited considerable methodological differences, especially with regard to the number of sessions, anatomic site and duration of low-level laser therapy irradiation, as well as irradiation parameters, diagnostic criteria and assessment tools. [Conclusion] Further studies are needed, especially randomized clinical trials, to establish the exact dose and ideal parameters for low-level laser therapy and define the best assessment tools in this promising field of research that may benefit individuals with signs and symptoms of TMD.

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