Abstract
Periodontal ligament (PDL) pain, associated with the insertion of elastomeric separators, is one of the most annoying experiences at the beginning of orthodontic treatment. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has recently been suggested as a method of controlling this pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT on reducing the pain associated with elastomeric separation and to compare a single dose of LLLT (1 h before the insertion of elastomeric separators) vs 2 doses of LLLT (1 h before and immediately after the insertion). This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry of University of Damascus and at the Department of Orthodontics of Adib-Allaham Center in Damascus, Syria. The sample population was comprised of 36 patients, aged between 12 and 25 years (mean age: 17 ±3.7 years), and the patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. A split-mouth design was employed. One group received 1 dose of laser therapy 1 h before the insertion of elastomeric separators, whereas the other one received 2 doses of laser therapy - 1 h before and immediately after the insertion of elastomeric separators. A GaAlAs laser with a wavelength of 830 nm and a power of 100 mW was used. The pain levels were recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) after 1, 6, 24, 48, and 96 h. Student's t-test and the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to detect significant differences. Low-level laser therapy significantly reduced post-separation pain when the experimental side was compared to the placebo side in the single-irradiation group (p < 0.05). Low-level laser therapy significantly reduced separation pain with no statistical difference between single and double irradiation protocols (p > 0.05). Low-level laser therapy had a positive effect on reducing the pain associated with elastomeric separation, whether it was applied as a single dose before elastomeric separation or as a double dose before and after this procedure.
Highlights
The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a slightly elastic, fibrous structure connecting the tooth to the alveolar bone.[1]
Low-level laser therapy significantly reduced post-separation pain when the experimental side was compared to the placebo side in the single-irradiation group (p < 0.05)
Low-level laser therapy had a positive effect on reducing the pain associated with elastomeric separation, whether it was applied as a single dose before elastomeric separation or as a double dose before and after this procedure
Summary
The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a slightly elastic, fibrous structure connecting the tooth to the alveolar bone.[1]. It plays a key role in the physiological and ortho dontic movements of the tooth.[2]. Orthodontic forces stimulate the production of proinflammatory mediators, such as histamine, dopamine, serotonin, glycine, prostaglandins, and cytokines.[3]. This may cause severe pain due to the inflammatory process occurring in PDL, which may hamper routine oral hy giene.[4]. Periodontal ligament (PDL) pain, associated with the insertion of elastomeric separators, is one of the most annoying experiences at the beginning of orthodontic treatment. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has recently been suggested as a method of controlling this pain
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