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:
Objective:This research was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT with Michigan splint vs the use of Michigan splint only on the range of mandibular movements in patients with muscular disorders by the use of ARCUS digma.
Materials and methods: It is an in-vivo study in which 14 patients were selected from the Outpatient Clinic of Diagnosis Department and Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University. Afterwards they were randomly divided into 2 equal groups, 7 patients in each group. Group (A), patients in this group received hard occlusal stabilization splint (Michigan splint) constructed on the maxillary teeth. Group (B), patients in this group received Michigan splint and an applications of low level LASER therapy (LLLT) using semiconductor InGaAsp 940 nm diode LASER type.
Results: It was found that group (B) recorded statistically significant higher median horizontal condylar inclination, higher mean Maximum Mouth opening (MMO), and lower median pain score than group (A).
Conclusion: Low level LASER therapy with the use of Michigan splint showed a reduction in the pain associated with TMD, and showed an improvement in the range of mandibular movements. Also, it led to long term results due to its curative effect.
Keywords: LLLT, TMDs, Bruxism, Muscular pain disorders, ARCUS digma II facebow