Salud Bucal y Manejo Dental

Abstracto

Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorder Using Synergistic Laser and Ultrasound Application

Vitor Hugo Panhóca, Larissa Biason Lopes, Fernanda Rossi Paolillo, Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato

The aim of this study was to present a clinical case showing the effects of an innovative device that applies low power laser and ultrasound for the rehabilitation of a voluntary patient with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of this therapy is to reduce muscle and joint pain and increase joint functionality, thus improving the quality of life of the patient. ATS, the voluntary patient, a female Caucasian who is 27 years old, was selected as being apt to receive the TMD treatment after undergoing a clinical assessment according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD). In this study, two therapeutic sessions were carried out per week for 4 weeks, followed by an assessment of the initial pain: (t=0), at the end of 8 clinical sessions (t=1) and 30 days after the end of the treatment (t=2). During the clinical assessments, data was collected, using the analogue scale for pain and oral quality of life questionnaire [Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14)] in the pre- and post-treatment periods. Thermographic images were also taken. The results showed reduced pain and improved quality of life. It can be concluded that the synergistic effect of applying laser with ultrasound has a potential effect on the treatment of TMD.