Abstract

GRAU LEON, Ileana; ALMAGRO, Soraya  and  CABO GARCIA, Rogelio. Temporomandibular disorders and the application of laser therapy.. Rev Cubana Estomatol [online]. 2007, vol.44, n.3. ISSN 0034-7507.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a world health problem. Epidemiological studies indicate that over 50% of population has suffered some kind of sign and sympton caused by this pathology like joint sounds, joint pain and restricted movement.  The study group was composed by 40 patients of both sexes and over 20 years of age that had come to the dental service of the Faculty of Dentistry in Havana province because of their temporomandibular joint (TMD) disorders. Clinical examination and questionnaires helped to make the final diagnosis. For data collection, a form was devised to evaluate the effectiveness of low intensity laser on TMD treatment and also pain intensity before and after treatment with laser and with drugs as well as to determine the number of required applications until total or partial pain relief, and the most affected muscle. The sample was divided into two groups; one received drug therapy and the other laser therapy. Upon completion of treatment, the patients were assessed and referred to TMD consultation service for the final treatment.  The results yielded that the percentage of patients in the laser therapy-treated group who experienced total pain relief was higher than that of the drug therapy group.

Keywords : temporomandibular disorders; laser therapy; present pain intensity..