The use of low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is a collective term which describes all functional disorders of chewing system. TMDs are generally characterized by pain, joint sounds, and restricted mandibular movement. In addition to these symptoms pain, hearing loss, headache, vertigo, tinnitus, burning at tongue, nose and sinus can be associated with TMDs. Epidemiological studies have been reported that approximately 75% of the population present one sign of TMD and 25% present at least one symptom. However, 3-7% of the population has severe problems to look for treatment. TMD is a multifactorial disorder and noninvasive methods are the the first stage for the treatment of TMD. One of the noninvasive physical methods used for pain management in physical therapy is low level laser treatment (LLLT). LLLT has analgesic, antienflamatuar and regenerative effects. LLLT is applied easy and received result in a short period. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of LLLT at TMD treatment especially related with muscles according to published studies results.