Efficacy of Low Level LASER Therapy in Treating Temporomandibular Muscle Disorders

This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability of the efficacy of using low level laser therapy and CAD/CAM Michigan splint in improving the range of mandibular movements, muscle activity and reducing the pain.

56 female patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group A: Patients received applications of low-level laser therapy using semiconductor InGaAsp diode LASER type 940 nm with continuous mode of operation, with time of application 180 sec per session for 12 sessions. Group B: Patients received hard occlusal splints (Michigan splints) of 2 mm thickness constructed on their upper teeth, the hard occlusal splint was 3D digitally printed. ARCUS digma facebow was used to evaluate the range of mandibular movements affected from TMJ problems. The opening measurements of the patient were taken using a millimeter ruler. Electromyogram (EMG) was used to evaluate muscle activity. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain intensity. All was done before the beginning of the treatment at three and six months follow up period.