comparison of thermotherapy and low power laser treatment in patients with (TMD)Temporo mandibular joint disorder

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorder is the most common maxillary disorder and has various causes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diathermy and hot pack thermotherapy with low power laser therapy in patients with TMD. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 33 patients with TMD and resistant to conventional therapies who were referred from the maxillofacial clinics and the dental school to the clinic of Imam Reza Hospital were selected. After diagnosing TMD, patients were selected from individuals with normal skeletal occlusions (class I occlusion) who had pain in the masticatory and joint muscles, either during compression or during jaw movements, due to a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. Radiographic images such as CT scans of these patients confirmed joint dysfunction. Patients were randomly divided into three equal groups (11 patients). To begin with, patients were taught how to measure pain, and the amount of pain was measured based on VAS and the amount of mouth opening (using a ruler, the distance between the edges of the anterior central teeth in the upper and lower jaws in millimeters) at the beginning of the study. . Patients in all three groups were then treated for 12 sessions (two sessions per week). In all three groups, all patients received medication (similar) and received the desired treatments (laser, diathermy and hot pack) along with the medication. In the twelfth session, the patient's pain intensity and opening rate were measured again. Results:After 12 sessions of treatment, the rate of pain reduction in the laser group (5.00 48 1.48) was significantly higher than the diathermy group (3.73 35 1.35) and the hot pack (3.64 36 1.36). (p <.05). The reduction in pain intensity was similar in the diathermy and hot pack groups. The rate of increase in mouth opening in the laser group (6.78 69 2.69) was significantly higher than the diathermy group (3.18 ± 1.8) and hot pack (4.58 38 1.38) (p <. 05). Mouth opening changes were similar in diathermy and hot pack groups. Conclusion: Hot pack therapy and diathermy have a similar effect in the treatment of patients with TMD and this effect is less than laser treatment.