Abstract
BackgroundTemporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the most common cause of orofacial and cervical skull pain and is considered to be a public health problem, affecting 5% to 12% of the world population. TMD is multifactorial and there are several types of treatment, with the conservative types being indicated more often as they are less aggressive and reversible. The main aim of these treatments is to relieve symptoms, reduce of pain, and restore orofacial and cervical skull functions. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), a noninvasive therapy, is an option for the management of musculoskeletal disorders due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects.MethodsThe aim of the proposed study is to verify whether PBMT is effective for use in palliative care of TMD and orofacial and cervical skull pain. A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial is proposed. This study will involve 200 adult participants (over 18 years of age) who will be randomly divided into two groups (n = 100): Group 1, active treatment (PBMT); and Group 2, placebo. Participants will be subjected to three sessions of PBMT or placebo and will be evaluated using the research diagnostic criteria (RDC) for TMD. Pain level (measured by a visual analog scale (VAS)), mandibular movements (measured by ruler and caliper), quality of life (measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14), and quality of sleep (measured by the Epworth scale) will be recorded. This study is being conducted at the Special Laboratory of Lasers in Dentistry (LELO) of the School of Dentistry of the University of Sao Paulo (USP).DiscussionThis study will verify whether PBMT is effective in reducing TMD and orofacial and cervical skull pain. PBMT may be an option for the management of musculoskeletal disorders due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects, in addition to being a noninvasive technique.Trial registrationRegistro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, RBR-9b6mnj. Registered on 27 March 2018.Trial registry name: Laser de baixa potência no cuidado paliativo da disfunção temporomandibular e dor crânio orofacial e cervical.Ethics committee: #1774930 approved on 14 October 2016.
Highlights
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the most common cause of orofacial and cervical skull pain and is considered to be a public health problem, affecting 5% to 12% of the world population
Khalighi et al [15] conducted a study comparing the use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and the results showed that the PBMT was more effective than the NSAID in reducing pain intensity and increasing mouth opening amplitude
The present clinical trial aims to verify: 1) whether PBMT using a low-power laser is effective in the palliative care of TMD and orofacial/cervical skull pain by decreasing pain in masticatory muscles and orofacial/ cervical regions; 2) the duration of effects produced by PBMT; 3) whether PBMT is effective in reducing “clicking” and/or “crackling”; 4) whether PBMT improves patients’ quality of life; and 5) whether PBMT improves patients’ perception of sleep quality
Summary
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the most common cause of orofacial and cervical skull pain and is considered to be a public health problem, affecting 5% to 12% of the world population. TMD is multifactorial and there are several types of treatment, with the conservative types being indicated more often as they are less aggressive and reversible. The main aim of these treatments is to relieve symptoms, reduce of pain, and restore orofacial and cervical skull functions. TMD, the most common cause of orofacial and cervical skull pain, is considered a public health problem as it affects 5% to 12% of the world population. The main aims of these treatments are to relieve symptoms, reduce pain, and re-establish orofacial and cervical skull functions [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
