OBJECTIVE: The present research studies the effects of AsGaAl (low-intensity laser) on the bite strength of the masseter muscle in order to evaluate the contribution of laser therapy in patients with orofacial pain. BACKGROUND DATA: Studies on laser therapy suggest its usefulness in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. This paper presents the effects of low-intensity laser in the contraction of the masseter muscle in patients with neuromuscular discomfort. METHODS: Fifteen patients of both genders, ages 19-29, suffering from pain in the masseter muscle, were exposed to laser application (AsGaAl) applied from a 2-mm distance. RESULTS: All patients showed improvement in muscle contraction strength of about 2.51-3.01 kgf on the right and left masseter muscle. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that low-level laser application is an effective tool for the treatment of patients with orofacial pain.
OBJECTIVE: The present research studies the effects of AsGaAl (low-intensity laser) on the bite strength of the masseter muscle in order to evaluate the contribution of laser therapy in patients with orofacial pain. BACKGROUND DATA: Studies on laser therapy suggest its usefulness in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. This paper presents the effects of low-intensity laser in the contraction of the masseter muscle in patients with neuromuscular discomfort. METHODS: Fifteen patients of both genders, ages 19-29, suffering from pain in the masseter muscle, were exposed to laser application (AsGaAl) applied from a 2-mm distance. RESULTS: All patients showed improvement in muscle contraction strength of about 2.51-3.01 kgf on the right and left masseter muscle. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that low-level laser application is an effective tool for the treatment of patients with orofacial pain.