Low-level Laser Therapy Therapy Research Articles

Repair strength and surface topography of lithium disilicate and hybrid resin ceramics with LLLT and photodynamic therapy in comparison to hydrofluoric acid.

The aim was to compare the repair bond strength and surface topography of lithium disilicate ceramics (LDC) and hybrid resin ceramics (HRC) using different surface conditioning treatments [low level laser therapy (LLLT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), hydrofluoric acid (HF) with silane and air abrasion (AA) and silane]. Sixty specimens each of LDC and HRC were used. Discs were prepared for each group (6 × 2 mm), conditioned using different regimes. Specimens in group 1 and 5 were laser irradiated using Er,Cr:YSGG (ECYL), group 2 and 6 were conditioned using methylene blue photosensitizer (PDT), group 3 and 7 surface was treated with hydrofluoric acid and silane (HFA-S), group 4 and 8 conditioned with Al2O3 air abrasion and silane (AA-S). A Porcelain Repair Kit was used according to manufacturer recommendation in all samples. Peak universal bond adhesive was rubbed on ceramic surface and then bonded with composite resin. For shear bond strength testing the specimens were placed in a universal testing machine. A stereomicroscope at 40x magnification was used to analyse failure pattern. Five specimens in each group after surface treatment were evaluated for surface changes and topography using scanning electron microscopy. The mean repair bond strength was calculated using ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at a significance level of (p < 0.05). The highest repair bond strength was observed in group 3 (LDC) (20.57 ± 3.58 MPa) (HFA-S), whereas, the lowest score was displayed in Group 2 (LDC) using methylene blue photosensitizer (MBPS) (12.18 ± 1.08 MPa). Similarly, in HRC the highest repair SBS was presented in group 8 (AA-S) (20.52 ± 2.51 MPa) and the lowest SBS values were exhibited by PDT treated group 6 (13.22 ± 0.62 MPa). A combination of mechanical and chemical surface treatments should be used in order to achieve adequate repair bond strength between resin composites and ceramic interface of LDC and HRC.

Non-invasive therapies for management of temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review

Introduction : As a multifactorial disease, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) require a complex therapeutic approach, being noninvasive therapies the first option for most patients. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to analyze the most common non-invasive therapies used for TMD management. Methods : The review was done by searching electronic databases to identify controlled clinical trials related to pharmacologic and non-invasive treatments. Of all potential articles found, 35 were included in this review. Results: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), occlusal splints (OS) and oral exercises/behavior education (OE/BE) were the most common therapies used. LLLT showed significant results in pain and movement improvement in most studies. OS was usually combined to other therapies and resulted in improvement of pain. OE/BE showed significant results when combined with ultrasound, LLLT, and manual therapy. Conclusions: Non-invasive treatments can provide pain relief and should be prescribed before surgical procedures. LLLT was the therapy with the higher number of studies showing positive results. Based in heterogeneity of treatment protocols, diagnostic and outcomes criteria used, new well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCT) are necessary. Keywords: Temporomandibular disorder; temporomandibular joint; myofascial pain; treatment; temporomandibular dysfunction; pharmacologic

Comparison Effect of Corticosteroid Injection with Low Level Laser Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients in Dr. Bratanata Hospital, Jambi

Objectives:Plantar fasciitis is a common pain disorder that affects the heel and soles of the feet. These are abnormalities at the location of tendon insertions in the bone and are characterized by scarring, inflammation, or damage to the plantar fascia. Treatment options for patients with plantar fasciitis vary with little consensus on the clinical approach. Physical therapy procedures including LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy) are most often applied in conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis. While steroid injection is a treatment that has been proven effective in the management of short-term symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of LLLT and steroid injection on pain and functional conditions in patients with plantar fasciitis.Methods:This is a prospective study conducted in 30 patients. 15 patients were treated with local injection steroids (single Group A) and 15 patients were treated with LLLT (Group B), 8 J / cm2 per day, 3 days per week for 2 weeks. VAS scores and FFI (Foot Function Index) are measured.Results:Pain intensity was reduced in both groups after 2 weeks. VAS scores decreased to 3.47 in Group A and 3.82 in Group B in 2 weeks (p <0.05). In Group A, FFI decreased to 22.03 ± 4.45 while in Group B it decreased to 26.40 ± 2.52 in the same interval. But generally, patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis prefer LLLT compared to more invasive steroid injection therapy.Conclusion:LLLT therapy and steroid injection are effective methods for reducing pain and improving foot function in plantar fasciitis. It appears that steroid injection is superior to LLLT therapy. But fear of invasive action, patients have LLLT.

Comparison of the efficiency of alveolar decortication and low level laser therapy on orthodontic tooth movement and alveolar metabolism in rats

Background/purposeReducing orthodontic treatment duration has many advantages for both clinicians and patients. This study was designed to compare the effects of alveolar decortication and low level laser therapy methods on tooth movement rate and alveolar bone metabolism. Materials and methodsA total of 42 Wistar albino rats were divided into three main groups as: Alveolar decortication (AD), low level laser therapy (LLLT) and only orthodontic force (F). The groups were evaluated at 7 and 14 day time points. Tooth movement rates were calculated by measuring the space between the contact points of the first and second molars. Comparisons regarding the alveolar bone metabolism were accomplished by evaluating osteoclast counts and RANKL - OPG expressions. ResultsThe rate of tooth movement, at all time points, was significantly higher for the AD group than the other groups and was significantly higher in the LLLT group than the F group. At both time points, the RANKL and OPG expression in the AD group was significantly higher than the other groups and these parameters in the LLLT group was significantly higher than the F group. The osteoclast count values in the AD and LLLT groups were significantly higher than the F group and there were no significant differences between these two groups at all time points. ConclusionThis study shows that, to be more effective at AD, both AD and LLLT therapy significantly increases the level of tooth movement in the early period through their stimulating effects on the alveolar bone metabolism.

Interaction between low-level laser therapy and Guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract induces antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects and promotes proliferation in dermal fibroblasts.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has several clinical applications; however, its benefits are not universal. Therefore, combination therapy with LLLT and extracts from the guarana (Paullinia cupana) plant may improve its effectiveness as guarana extracts exhibit anti-aging properties. To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and proliferative effects of combined LLLT and guarana extract therapy on human dermal fibroblasts. Human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1) were cultured and initially exposed to several concentrations (1, 3, 5, 10, 30µg/mL) of guarana extract. The experimental concentration of guarana extract was selected by analyzing cytokine levels, DNA oxidation, and apoptotic markers in LLLT-exposed (4J/cm2 ) and LLLT-unexposed fibroblast cultures. After 72hours, the cells were analyzed using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric, immunological, and gene expression (qRT-PCR) assays. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of each treatment on cell cycle. Fibroblasts treated with guarana (5µg/mL) exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties been used in complementary protocols. Combined guarana and LLLT treatment significantly decreased protein carbonylation, lipoperoxidation, and DNA oxidation, downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, and upregulated IL-10 gene and protein expression. Guarana plus LLLT also decreased the levels of caspases 1, 3, and 8, increased the percentage of S-phase cells, and decreased FGF-1 and KGF-1 levels. Some of these changes were also observed after treatment with guarana or LLLT alone. Our results suggest that concomitant treatment with guarana and LLLT may promote fibroblast biostimulation and thus is clinically relevant.

Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy during Tooth Movement: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The present study evaluated the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) by means of a diode laser in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). After extraction of the first upper premolars for orthodontic purpose, 82 maxillary canines which needed distalization were analyzed in 41 enrolled patients (21 males, 20 females, mean age 13.4 ± 2.1 years). On all experimental sites, an orthodontic force of 50/N was applied by a nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed coil spring (G&H, Franklin, IN, USA) in order to obtain the space closure. Using a split mouth randomized design, the test side was treated using a diode laser (Wiser Laser Doctor Smile, Brendola, Italy) operating at 810 nm wavelength in continuous wave mode at both the buccal and palatal side on three points/side (distal, medial and mesial) (1 W output power, continuous wave of 66.7 J/cm2, energy density of 8 J) at baseline and at 3, 7, and 14 days and every 15 days until the space closed. On the control side, the opposite selected canine was treated only using orthodontic traction. The primary outcome chosen was the overall time needed to complete the levelling and closing space, measured on a study cast. The secondary outcome chosen was the evaluation of pain levels related to tooth traction, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), recorded at 3, 7, and 14 days after treatments. The mean space closures of the maxillary canines were comparable between groups [Test, 4.56 mm (95% CI 3.9–4.8); Control, 4.49 mm (95% CI 3.8–4.7), p = 0.456]. The laser group yielded less mean time [84.35 ± 12.34 days (95% CI 79.3–86)] to accomplish space closure compared to the control group [97.49 ± 11.44 days (91.7–102.3)] (p < 0.001). The test side showed a significant reduction in the average range of dental pain at 3 [Test, 5.41 (95% CI 5.1–5.6); Control, 7.23 (95% CI 6.9–7.6), p < 0.001], 7 [Test, 4.12 (95% CI 3.8–4.7); Control, 5.79 (95% CI 5.4–5.8), p < 0.001], and at 14 days [Test, 2.31 (95% CI 1.8–2.3); Control, 3.84 (95% CI 3.3–4.2), p < 0.001] after treatment (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that the use of LLLT therapy was effective in accelerating tooth movement and reducing pain levels related to OTM.

Comparative evaluation of low-level laser therapy and ultrasound heat therapy in reducing temporomandibular joint disorder pain.

BackgroundPain, limitations in opening, asymmetrical jaw movements, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds are the most common findings in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), which causes excruciating pain, inflammation of the surrounding muscles, posterior fibers, and synovial fluid. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of ultrasound heat therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing TMD-related pain.MethodsThis prospective study included 42 patients (age range, 25–45 years), who were divided into two groups of 21 patients each. All patients were prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) twice a day for 5 days for temporary relief of pain prior to the commencement of treatment. Patients were kept on a soft diet and asked to restrict mouth opening during the same period. Fifteen sessions of LLLT (Group A) or ultrasound therapy (Group B) were administered to the affected side.ResultsPost-therapy, the mean visual analog scale score for group A and group B was 4.81 (2.01) and 6.19 (1.20), respectively; the difference was statistically significant and favoring the LLLT group. Similarly, the mean mouth opening for group A and group B was 3.99 (0.40) and 3.65 (0.41), respectively; the difference was statistically significant and favoring the LLLT group.ConclusionOur study recommends LLLT for treating TMD-related pain with no underlying bony pathology.

Low-level laser therapy in chronic obstructive lung disease

ContextChronic obstuctive lung disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable disease. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) appears to be a promising modality in COPD management.AimsThe aim was to study the short-term effects of LLLT on clinical and cardiac status in patients with stable COPD.Materials and methodsThis was a controlled randomized study. Patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50%, those with atrial fibrillation (AF), those with pulmonary hypertension not owing to COPD, and those with any contraindication to exercise test or LLLT were excluded. A total of 30 patients with stable COPD were divided into laser and control groups (15 patients each). Medical treatment was optimized in both groups with the addition of LLLT in the laser group.The following were assessed before and after LLLT: Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, 6 min walk test, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and lateral tricuspid annulus tissue Doppler velocities. The LLLT has wavelength of 905 nm, output of 5–20mW, and frequency of 500 Hz. Laser probe was placed on intercostal space both anteriorly and posteriorly on chest wall and arm with standardized laser acupuncture points of application with a frequency of five sessions/week for 2 successive weeks.Statistical analysisStatistical package for the social sciences Software program, version 21 (SPSS). Data were summarized using range, mean, SD, and median for quantitative variables and frequency and percentage for qualitative ones. Comparison between groups was performed using independent sample t-test (if parametric) or Mann–Whitney test (if nonparametric) for quantitative variables and χ2-test or Fisher’s exact test for qualitative ones. Paired quantitative measures were evaluated using paired t-test (if parametric) or Wilcoxon test (if nonparametric). P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant, and less than 0.01 were considered highly significant.ResultsPatients in LLLT group had higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure, lower early (E′) and higher late (A′) lateral tricuspid annular velocities by Tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) versus control. Overall, 100% of laser patients showed improvement in mMRC scale by at least one grade versus 46% in control. In laser group, 6 min walk test was 24.4±10.4 before versus 52.9±14.7m at the end of the study (P=0.001). In control, it was 32.4±14.9 versus 40.1±19.2, (P=0.003). No echocardiographic changes were noticed before versus after the study.ConclusionSignificant clinical improvement of 6 min walk test and mMRC scale grading after LLLT therapy was observed. No detrimental effects of LLLT on left ventricle or right ventricle functions or pulmonary artery systolic pressure were seen.

Effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on post-operative pain, trismus and quality of life (QOL) of patients undergoing extraction of impacted lower third molars

Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a physical modality used to support rehabilitation therapy. Often, patients undergoing extraction of impacted lower third molars experience a decline in their quality of life (QOL). This single-blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) included patients aged between 18 to 30 years who were randomly allocated to an intervention group that received LLLT (n = 21) or a control group that did not (n = 21). Subjects in the intervention group was given a dose 54 J, energy density 18J/cm2 at 0, 3rd and 7th day post lower third molar removal. The QOL was assessed in both groups using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) before and after LLLT. A statistically significant reduction in pain was observed on post-operative days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05) between both groups. There is a statistically significant reduction of post-operative trismus at day 3 and 7 (p < 0.05) between both groups. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the physical role (RP), bodily pain and general health domains of QOL was seen in both groups. Additionally, a significant improvement (p < 0.05) was observed in the physical component of QOL in both groups. The results of this study showed that LLLT (905 nm 18J/cm2 osis, 100 mW power) therapy can decrease post-operative pain and reduce trismus from day 3 in patients that have undergone surgical treatment of impacted lower third molars.

Adjunctive laser-stimulated stem-cells therapy to primary reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction in humans: Safety and feasibility study.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has photobiostimulatory effects on stem cells and may offer cardioprotection. This cell-based therapy may compliment primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this randomized control trial, our primary objective was to determine the safety and feasibility of LLLT application to the bone marrow in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI. We randomly assigned patients undergoing PPCI to LLLT or non-laser therapy (NLT). In the LLLT group, 100 s of laser therapy was applied to the tibia bone prior to PPCI, as well as 24 and 72 h post-PPCI. In the control group, the power source was turned off. The primary outcome was the difference in door-to-balloon (D2B) time, and additional outcomes included differences in circulating cell counts, cardiac enzymes, and left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at pre-specified intervals post-PPCI. Twenty-four patients were randomized to LLLT (N = 12) or NLT (N = 12). No adverse effects of the treatment were detected. The D2B time was not significantly different between the groups (41 ± 8 vs 48 ± 1 min; P = 0.73). Creatinine Phosphokinase area under the curve, was lower after LLLT (22 ± 10) compared to NLT (49 ± 12), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Troponin-T was significantly lower after LLLT (2.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL) in comparison to NLT (5.2 ± 1.8 ng/mL. P < 0.05). At 9 months, LVEF improved in both groups without a significant difference between LLLT (55 ± 9%) and NLT (52 ± 9%; P = 0.90). LLLT is a safe and feasible adjunctive cell-based therapy to PPCI that may benefit ischemic myocardium.

Is Low-level laser therapy and gaseous ozone application effective on osseointegration of immediately loaded implants?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of biostimulation lasers and ozone therapy on osseointegration of immediately loaded implants. A total number of 100 implants (DTI Implant Systems) were applied to 25 patients evenly. Temporary crowns were applied to each patient on the same session as the surgery. Implants were divided into four treatment groups (Group 1: low-level laser therapy (LLLT) group, Group 2: ozone therapy group, Group 3: different protocol of ozone therapy group, and Group 4: control group) each with 25 implants. The irradiations were performed with a gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode low-level laser (Laser BTL-4000) to Group 1. Ozone therapy was performed using an ozone generator (OzoneDTA) with an intraoral probe to Group 2 and Group 3. In this study, the overall implant survival rate was 92% after a 6-month observation period. The implant stability quotient values were found significantly higher in Group 1 (LLLT group) and Group 3 (different protocol of ozone therapy group) than the other groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Group 2 (ozone therapy group) and the control group (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that both LLLT and ozone therapy with prolonged application time are promising methods to enhance bone healing around immediately loaded implants and increase implant stability; however, there is a need for more studies on this subject for these methods to become routine applications.

Role of Laser Biostimulation in Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Clinical Trial

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF).MATERIAL &amp; METHODS: 20 patients with a clinical diagnosis of OSMF were included in the study after informed consents and measurements of mouth opening (mm) and burning sensation (VAS) were made at day 0. Laser biostimulation was performed on right and left cheeks in anterior and posterior bands for 3 cycles of 10 seconds each. They were recalled for follow-up measurements and Laser biostimulation at 3rd, 7th and 15th day. The paired t-test was applied for analysing significant differences, if any, using SPSS version 21.0.RESULTS: In the follow up recordings, generally, there was an increase in mouth opening after LLLT therapy and a significant difference was seen in males(p=.04) as well as the total population(p=0.02). Burning sensation(VAS Scale), on day zero was 5.5±1.20, which was reduced to 3.4±.084 on the 15th day with a significant difference seen in the entire study population(p=0.03).CONCLUSION: Biostimulation by Laser in the treatment of OSMF is a good non-invasive, painless and quick alternative treatment modality for the management of diseases.

The role of BMP-2, low-level laser therapy and low x-ray doses in dental follicle stem cell migration

ABSTRACTThe knowledge of how cells respond to different treatments in terms of their migration potential could improve bone regeneration and osseointegration of dental implants. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects of various chemoattractants, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) on the migration of dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs). The chemoattractants used in our study were the serum-free (SF) conditioned media that were harvested from osteoblast cell cultures seeded on the surface of titanium implants—Ti6Al7Nb (TiCtrl), implants infiltrated with hydroxyapatite (TiHA), with silicatitanate (TiSiO2), and from culture of DFSCs cultivated on TiCtrl implants. We used the scratch migration assay to evaluate the influence of BMP-2, LLLT therapy, and CBCT on the migration potential of DFSCs. The migration scratch assay indicates that the BMP-2 growth factor is able to increase the DFSC migration compared to control culturing medium and regardless of laser or CBCT exposure. The results demonstrate the importance of improving the implant surface with HA, SiO2, and DFSCs. Stimulated DFSCs will secrete growth factors which will act as chemoattractants for the stem cells of the implant host. Adding growth factors such as BMP-2 can improve the migration process of DFSCs.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome management: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a physiotherapy modality with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, in the management of mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Virtual Health Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of LLLT with or without splinting versus placebo on functional and electromyographic outcomes in CTS. All outcomes were pooled as mean differences (MD) under the inverse variance or random effects model, using the statistical add-in (MetaXL, version 5.0). Eight RCTs (473 patients/631 wrists) were eligible for the final analysis. The overall effect estimates did not favor LLLT therapy group over placebo in all primary outcomes: visual analogue scale (MD -1.11, 95% CI [-2.58, 0.35]), symptom severity scale score (MD -1.41, 95% CI [-5.12, 2.29]), and functional status scale score (MD -1.33, 95% CI [-3.27, 0.61]). However, LLLT was superior to placebo in terms of grip strength (MD 2.19, 95% CI [1.63, 2.76]) and inferior to placebo in terms of sensory nerve action potential (MD -2.74, 95% CI [-3.66, -1.82]). Laser therapy is superior to placebo in terms of improving the grip strength; however, no significant difference was found between both groups in terms of functional status improvement, pain reduction, or motor electrodiagnostic evaluations. Further high-quality trials with longer follow-up periods are required to establish the efficacy of LLLT for CTS treatment.

Low‐level laser therapy as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects 50% of males by age 50 and 50% of females by age 80. Recently, the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proposed as a treatment for hair loss and to stimulate hair regrowth in AGA. This paper aims to review the existing research studies to determine whether LLLT is an effective therapy for AGA based on objective measurements and patient satisfaction. A systematic literature review was done to identify articles on Medline, Google Scholar, and Embase that were published between January 1960 and November 2015. All search hits were screened by two reviewers and examined for relevant abstracts and titles. Articles were divided based on study design and assessed for risk of bias. Eleven studies were evaluated, which investigated a total of 680 patients, consisting of 444 males and 236 females. Nine out of 11 studies assessing hair count/hair density found statistically significant improvements in both males and females following LLLT treatment. Additionally, hair thickness and tensile strength significantly improved in two out of four studies. Patient satisfaction was investigated in five studies, and was overall positive, though not as profound as the objective outcomes. The majority of studies covered in this review found an overall improvement in hair regrowth, thickness, and patient satisfaction following LLLT therapy. Although we should be cautious when interpreting these findings, LLLT therapy seems to be a promising monotherapy for AGA and may serve as an effective alternative for individuals unwilling to use medical therapy or undergo surgical options. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:27-39, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quality of life related to oral mucositis of patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and receiving specialised oral care with low-level laser therapy: a prospective observational study.

Oral mucositis is a painful condition that occurs in 80% of patients who undergo haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our objective was to determine the impact of mucositis on quality of life (QoL) of patients subjected to HSCT treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Patients were evaluated: (1) on the first day of treatment; (2) 5days after autologous or 8days after allogeneic transplantation; (3) once bone marrow had integrated; and (4) 30days after discharge. Clinical evaluation was performed using the World Health Organization criteria; oral health QoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14); and mucositis symptoms with the Patient-Reported Oral Mucositis Symptom (PROMS) scale. The higher the score, the lower the patient's QoL. The OHIP-14 responses showed that at D+5/D+8, all domains had the highest scores, while at times 1 and 4, the scores were lower. In the PROMS scale, all domains scored worst at time 2, and the differences between the scores at the four times were statistically significant. The study has shown that QoL improves over time in patients undergoing LLLT therapy for mucositis prevention.

Topical Gel Application and Low Level Laser Therapy on Related Soft Tissue Traumatic Aphthous Ulcers: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect of low level laser and Fitostimuline gel® application on pain and healing of orthodontic related traumatic aphthous. Materials and methods: In this double blind and randomized clinical trial, 60 subjects reported traumatic aphthous lesions and the same day they appear immediately they were placed in :G1: (control group) at 13 patients in which only the traumatic factor of the lesion was removed.G2: (Fitostimuline®) 14 patients treated with Fitostimuline® 3 times a day, until the lesion disappeared.G3: (Laser) 14 patients treated with LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy). G4: (Laser + Fitostimuline®) 15 patients treated with LLLT application and Fitostimuline® 3 times per day, until the lesion healed completely. ANOVA was applied for parametric data, and non-parametric ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test - Friedman) and Mann-Whitney U test were made. Past statistical software version 2010 for Excel was used. Results: Higher diameter aphthous ulcer measures and pain significantly reduced for the Fitostimuline Gel®and Laser treated groups or both combined if compared with the control group. The medicament effect its slow if compared to laser therapy, nonetheless when used simultaneously the effect does not differ from the one obtained by laser only application. Fitostimuline Gel® application does not increase laser effect on healing. Conclusions: Topical Fitostimuline Gel® and LLLT therapy are highly efficient treatment options for aphthous ulcer and pain generated by orthodontic treatment, when compared to a control group. LLLT therapy, it’s more effective than Fitostimuline Gel® for orthodontic related aphthous ulcer treatment. Combining therapies do not improve nor enhance treatment results.

COLIIA1 overexpression with low level laser therapy after experimental injury (914.5)

BACKGROUND: Calcaneous tendon injuries are commonly seen as consequences of sports trauma and costly in terms of surgery and rehabilitation. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used to accelerate healing process and avoid tissue adhesions. We investigated the response of experimental lesions of the calcaneous tendon in rats after LLLT therapy.METHODS AND MATERIAL: Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing 250 to 300 g were surgically submitted to bilateral partial transverse section of the calcaneous tendon. The right tendon was treated with LLLT whereas the left tendon served as control. On the third postoperative day, the rats were divided into three experimental groups consisting of ten rats each which were treated with LLLT ( Konf, Aculas ‐ HB 750), 780nm and 80mW for 20 seconds, three times/week for 7, 14 and 28 days. Collagen I, II, and III gene expression were studied.RESULTS: Increased collagen II gene expression was observed in all experimental groups.CONCLUSION: mRNA gene expression for COLIIA1 is confirmed with immunolocalization of type II collagen and suggests that it could give support to the interstitial tissues on healing process of the calcaneous tendon. Further studies are needed to confirm LLLT role in tendon healing.

Effectiveness of occlusal splints and low-level laser therapy on myofascial pain

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of low-level laser (Nd:YAG) therapy and occlusal splints in patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) characterized with myofascial pain (MP). A total of 30 patients were selected after being diagnosed with MP according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TDM). The patients were divided into three groups. The first group was occlusal splint (OS) group A (n = 10), the second was low-level laser therapy (LLLT) group B (n = 10), and the last group C was placebo (n = 10). LLLT (1,064 nm, 8 j/cm(2), 250 mW, Fotona) was applied to the patients in the study group once a day for 10 days, for a total of ten sessions. The same parameters and application times were used for placebo group, but the patients were not irradiated. The application was on the trigger points. The patients in the OS group were instructed to wear occlusal splints 12 h/day for 3 weeks. Functional examination was based on RDC/TDM, and pressure pain values were obtained with the Visual Analog Scale. Comparisons were made between the groups before and after the treatment according to Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The pain score values decreased significantly after both LLLT (p < 0.05) and occlusal splint therapy (p < 0.05) compared to placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between LLLT and OS groups after treatment (p > 0.05). OS and LLLT are effective for decreasing MP. In addition, this particular type of LLLT is as effective as occlusal splint for pain relief.

Low-level laser therapy with a wrist splint to treat carpal tunnel syndrome: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

The efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was evaluated in a total of 66 patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with a double-blinded randomized controlled study. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I received 15 sessions of a gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser treatment at a dosage of 18 J per session over the carpal tunnel area with neutral wrist splint. Group II received placebo laser therapy with neutral wrist splint. The patients were evaluated with the following parameters: (1) clinical parameters which consisted of visual analog scale, symptom severity scale, functional status scale, and pinch strength and grip strength before the treatment and at 5- and 12-week follow-ups and (2) electroneurophysiological parameters from nerve conduction study which were evaluated before the treatment and at 12-week follow-up. Fifty nine patients (112 hands: unilateral CTS = 6 hands and bilateral CTS = 106 hands) completed the study. Both groups I and II had n = 56 hands. Improvements were significantly more pronounced in the LLLT-treated group than the placebo group especially for grip strength at 5- and 12-week follow-ups. At 12-week follow-up, distal motor latency of the median nerve was significantly improved in the LLLT group than the placebo group (p < 0.05). LLLT therapy, as an alternative for a conservative treatment, is effective for treating mild to moderate CTS patients. It can improve hand grip strength and electroneurophysiological parameter with a carry-over effect up to 3 months after treatment for grip strength of the affected hands.