Laser treatment in modulation of TMJ inflammation

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the laser in the treatment of hyperemia (edema) as assessed by a TMJ Doppler on 22 consecutive joints showing TMJ Hyperemia. Materials and Methods: The hyperemia of the joint was first evaluated using a TMJ Doppler device (Great Lakes Orthodontic Products - Buffalo NY) and it was recorded as severe, moderate or mild. The DioBeam 830 low level laser (830nm, 150mw continuous wave laser with a 1 cm beam, manufactured by CMS Dental Copenhagen, Denmark); 16 J/cm 2 (8 J/cm 2 with mouth open and 8 J/cm 2 with the mouth closed). The treatment time was 2 minutes per joint. The hyperemia was assessed immediately following the treatment. Results: 22 joints have been evaluated on 16 patients. 12 had severe hyperemia, 9 had moderate hyperemia and 1 had mild hyperemia. All 22 joints showed complete resolution of the hyperemia immediately after laser therapy. There were no negative clinical results associated with the treatments.Conclusion: Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) was an effective tool in the treatment of hyperemia of the TMJ.