Laser Application Effects on the Bite Strength of the Masseter Muscle, as an Orofacial Pain Treatment

Abstract

The present research studies the effects of AsGaAl (low-intensity laser) on the bite strength of the masseter muscle in order to evaluate the contribution of laser therapy in patients with orofacial pain. Studies on laser therapy suggest its usefulness in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. This paper presents the effects of low-intensity laser in the contraction of the masseter muscle in patients with neuromuscular discomfort. Fifteen patients of both genders, ages 19-29, suffering from pain in the masseter muscle, were exposed to laser application (AsGaAl) applied from a 2-mm distance. All patients showed improvement in muscle contraction strength of about 2.51-3.01 kgf on the right and left masseter muscle. These results suggest that low-level laser application is an effective tool for the treatment of patients with orofacial pain.