M. Sahebjamei , A. azizi , F. Jamali , N. Marofi ,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2002)
Abstract
Muscular pain is one of the most common causes for facial pain. Myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is one of the most important disorders of facial area that affected patients suffer from pain, tenderness of one or more masticatory muscles and limitation of movements. Lack of specific and effective therapeutic method, makes it necessary to find a treatment to decrease pain. Considering the analgesic and anti- inflammatory effects of low-level laser, some investigators have recommended it for MPDS patient's treatment. In this study, the effects of low level laser (Ga-Al-As) on MPDS patients referred to dental faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, were investigated. Twenty- two MPDS patents, with mean age 33.32 years, were treated for 4 weeks (12 visits). Clinical examinations were performed in 6 stages. The results of this study showed that variables such as pain severity, cheek pain, pain frequency and tenderness of masseter, temporal, internal and external pterygoid muscles, had a statistically significant improvement at the end of treatment with low level laser (GA-A1-AS) which lasted for three months, (follow- up period). Results of this study showed that, low-level laser therapy has a sedative effect on the pain and tenderness of masticatory muscles in MPDS. Patients and having an accurate and regular program to complete treatment period, has an important role in MPDS improvement.
