Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in Management anterior disc displacement with reduction with an occlusal splint

Background and aims: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are conditions that can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and associated structures and can clinically manifest as craniofacial pain, limitation of mouth opening, and joint noises. The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined therapy with occlusal splint in management of anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: The present study was conducted on forty patients (n=40) with ADDwR, aged 18-50 years. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. In group A, all patients were a stabilization splint, while in group B (The laser group), They received low level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunctive treatment alongside the stabilization Splint. Results: Regarding to maximum mouth opening Group A achieved greater improvements in both maximum mouth opening and lateral excursion at all follow up time intervals than group B, the measurements of mandibular range of motion showed statistically significant improvement in the group A more than group B (p = 0.03). VAS scores decreased progressively throughout the follow up periods and the difference was statistically significant after treatment in all groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study concluded that the low-level laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment, gives effective results in a short time, and it has the superiority to decrease the signs and symptoms of TMD through a combination of LLLT and an occlusal splint.