Evaluation of the effect of low level LASER therapy versus printed occlusal splint on mandibular movements in patients with TMJ muscular disorders by using ARCUS digma

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate whether application of low level LASER therapy with Michigan splint or Michigan splint alone has sustained effect in the treatment of TMDs problem, improvement in the range of mandibular movements and achieving patients' satisfaction. Fourteen dentulous patients who suffered from TMJ muscular disorders were selected from out clinic of Diagnosis Department and Prosthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain shams university. Patients answered a questionnaire for bruxism to collect data upon the cause of TMJ muscular disorders, and visual analogue scale questionnaire were given to the patients before the treatment, after the end of the treatment, and after the follow up by one month from the end of the treatment.by the use of the Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale, which is easy in application ranges from 0 to 5, where (0)provides no pain while (5)provides the worst pain, to evaluate pain intensity and patients satisfication. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, each group include 7 patients by simple flipping coin randomization: Group A: Patients in this group received hard occlusal stabilization splint (Michigan splint) constructed on the maxillary teeth of 2mm thickness. Group B: Patients in this group received Michigan splint and an application of low level LASER therapy (LLLT) using semiconductor InGaAsp 940 nm diode LASER type with continuous mode of operation, with time of application 30 secs for each trigger point on each side of the face 3 times per week for one month.