Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy at Different Energy Densities in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Applied Sciences (Switzerland), cilt.16, sa.11, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 11
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/app16115324
- Dergi Adı: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: low-level laser therapy, myofascial pain, temporomandibular disorders
- Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of musculoskeletal conditions characterized by pain, restricted mandibular movement, and joint sounds, which may significantly impair quality of life. Among conservative treatment modalities, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has gained increasing attention due to its noninvasive nature and its documented analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite growing evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of LLLT in the management of TMD-related pain and dysfunction, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal energy density parameters to achieve the most favorable therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the primary objective of this randomized clinical trial was to determine the optimal energy density of low-level laser therapy. This clinical study evaluated the effects of LLLT applied at different energy densities in patients diagnosed with disk displacement with reduction (DDwR) and myofascial pain. A total of 100 patients were divided into two diagnostic groups, each divided into three subgroups: 940 nm, 1.5 W, 90 J; 940 nm, 3 W, 180 J; and a soft diet group. Laser treatment was performed three times per week for three weeks, for a total of nine sessions. Pain intensity, mandibular movements, and joint sounds were assessed at baseline and at one and six months. Comparable and favorable clinical improvements were achieved in both the laser therapy groups and the soft diet group. The 1.5 W-treated group showed the most significant VAS (visual analog scale) parameter reduction at 6 months. Laser treatment outcomes can be summarized as follows: low-level laser therapy was associated with clinical improvement; however, similar positive outcomes were also observed in the soft diet group. These findings indicate that further controlled studies are needed to better clarify the specific role of laser therapy in the management of temporomandibular disorders.