A comparative assessment of ultrasound heat therapy and low-level laser therapy in management of temporomandibular joint disorders

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are considered by the presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or masticatory muscle dysfunction and pain. Present study aimed to comparatively evaluate ultrasound heat therapy and low-level laser therapy in management of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). Materials & Methods: Sixty patients having temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) were divided into 2 groups. Group I was LLLT group with 30 patients and group II was TMDs with 30 patients. VAS scale was used for pain assessment and mouth opening was also measured before therapy and after therapy. Results: In group I LLLT and in group II ultrasound therapy was used. There were 16 males and 14 females in group I and 18 males and 12 females in group II. The mean pre-therapy mouth opening in group I was 3.89 cm and in group II was 4.15 cm. Post-therapy mouth opening in group I was 3.72 cm and in group II was 4.02 cm. The difference was non-significant (P>0.05). The mean pre-therapy VAS in group I was 8.12 cm and in group II was 4.20. Post-therapy mouth opening in group I was 7.12 and in group II was 5.24. The difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that LLLT is effective method for treating TMDs in terms of achieving maximum mouth opening and reducing pain.