Effect of Pre-Operatory Low-Level Laser Therapy on Pain, Swelling, and Trismus Associated with Third-Molar Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: The extraction of impacted third molars is commonly associated to pain, edema, trismus, limited jaw opening and movements. The objectives of this study is to verify if pre-surgical low-level laser therapy (LLLT) associated with the extraction of impacted lower third molars could add benefits to the postoperative symptoms respect LLLT performed only after surgery. Subjects and Methods: Data from 24 patients subjected to a surgical extraction of lower third molars were pooled and divided into three groups. Patients that received only routine management were inserted in the control group. Group 1, patients received LLLT immediately after surgical removal of third molar and at 24 hours. In group 2 were included patients treated with LLLT immediately before the surgical removal of third molar and immediately after the end of the procedure. Results: Both laser-treated groups were characterized by minor events of post-surgery complications of pain, edema, trismus. Conclusions: Pre-surgical LLLT treatment seems to increase the analgesic effect of LLLT. However, trismus and edema were reduced in both laser treated groups, independently from the period of irradiation.