Treatment of Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain (PIFP) with a Low-Level Energy Diode Laser

Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the therapeutic efficacy of low-level energy diode laser on persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP). Background data: PIFP has presented a diagnosis and management challenge to clinicians. Many patients were misdiagnosed, which resulted in unnecessary dental procedures. Low-level energy diode laser therapy has been applied to different chronic and acute pain disorders, including neck, back, and myofacial pain; degenerative osteoarthritis; and headache, and it may be an effective alternative treatment for PIFP. Methods: A total of 16 patients, who were diagnosed with PIFP, were treated with an 800-nm wavelength diode laser. A straight handpiece having an end size of 0.8 cm in diameter, or an angled handpiece with an end size of 0.5 cm in diameter was used. When laser was applied, the handpiece directly contacted the involved symptomatic region with an energy density of 105 J/cm(2). Overall pain and discomfort was analyzed with a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after treatment. Results: All patients received diode laser therapy between 1 and10 times. The average pain score was 7.4 before the treatment (ranging from 2.9 to 9.8), and 4.1 after the treatment. An average pain reduction of 43.87% (ranging from 9.3% to 91.8%) was achieved. The pain remained unchanged at a lower level for up to 12 months. Conclusions: Low-level energy diode laser may be an effective treatment for PIFP.