Articles

Laser Application Effects on the Bite Strength of the Masseter Muscle, as an Orofacial Pain Treatment

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.

Conclusion: The results suggest that low-level laser application is an effective tool for the treatment of patients with orofacial pain.