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TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, TMD Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: Tampa Dr. Nelson Mane provides treatment with High Power Laser Therapy

TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome: You haven’t tried everything yet.

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull.  As with any joint there can be problems with the bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles.  Even the nerves and blood vessels around the joint can become involved.  Common symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome  or  Temporomandibular Disorder are popping and clicking about the jaw, dull aching, pain about the temples which might be aggravated with chewing.   The jaw at times can get stuck or locked in place, headaches and ear aches are also associated with Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome.  Also with obvious casus of Temporomandibular Disorder  such as trauma (a punch, car accidents, fractures) many times Temporomandibular Disorder  are associated with clenching and grinding of the teeth while awake and while asleep.  The standard approach for Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome  is to approach it with massage, physical therapy and medication.  Often times splints (intra oral appliances) are made mostly by Dentist to aid symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder.  More aggressive treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome  can go as far as reconstructive surgery for the more difficult cases.

High Power Laser Therapy is a modality that when carefully utilized by an experienced practitioner can provide considerable relief for the patient suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome .  The procedure is painless and is done on an out patient basis.  Patients walk in and walk out and require no special preparation.  We have found High Power Laser Therapy to be affective for patient trying to avoid surgery as well as for those who have had surgery and continue to suffer with pain.  Laser Therapy has been shown to improve bone repair, cartilage repair, as well as ligament and tendon repair.  Laser Therapy reduces inflammation and pain as well as reducing scar tissue.  The advantage of High Power Laser Therapy over a low level or cold laser is that the additional power allows you to penetrate and reach deeper tissues which may be the target tissue.  Below are two fairly recent studies that the scientific literature has on Laser Therapy with regards to Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome 

Institute of Biophysics and Informatics, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.

OBJECTIVE: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment for pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) was investigated in a controlled study comparing applied energy density, subgroups of TMD, and duration of disorders. BACKGROUND DATA: Although LLLT is a physical therapy used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, there is little evidence for its effectiveness in the treatment of TMD. METHODS: The study group of 61 patients was treated with 10 J/cm(2) or 15 J/cm(2), and the control group of 19 patients was treated with 0.1 J/cm(2). LLLT was performed by a GaAlAs diode laser with output of 400 mW emitting radiation wavelength of 830 nm in 10 sessions. The probe with aperture 0.2 cm(2) was placed over the painful muscle spots in the patients with myofascial pain. In patients with TMD arthralgia the probe was placed behind, in front of, and above the mandibular condyle, and into the meatus acusticus externus. Changes in pain were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Application of 10 J/cm(2) or 15 J/cm(2) was significantly more effective in reducing pain compared to placebo, but there were no significant differences between the energy densities used in the study group and between patients with myofascial pain and temporomandibular joint arthralgia. Results were marked in those with chronic pain. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that LLLT (application of 10 J/cm(2) and 15 J/cm(2)) can be considered as a useful method for the treatment of TMD-related pain, especially long lasting pain.

Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) and its influence on masticatory efficiency in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). This study was performed using a random, placebo-controlled, and double-blind research design. Fourteen patients were selected and divided into two groups (active and placebo). Infrared laser (780 nm, 70 mw, 60s, 105J/cm2) was applied precisely and continuously into five points of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area: lateral point (LP), superior point (SP), anterior point (AP), posterior point (PP), and posterior-inferior point (PIP) of the condylar position. This was performed twice per week, for a total of eight sessions. To ensure a double-blind study, two identical probes supplied by the manufacturer were used: one for the active laser and one for the inactive placebo laser. They were marked with different letters (A and B) by a clinician who did not perform the applications. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a colorimetric capsule method were employed. Data was obtained three times: before treatment (Ev1), shortly after the eighth session (Ev2), and 30 days after the first application (Ev3). Statistical tests revealed significant differences at one percent (1%) likelihood, which implies that superiority of the active group offered considerable TMJ pain improvement. Both groups presented similar masticatory behavior, and no statistical differences were found. With regard to the evaluation session, Ev2 presented the lowest symptoms and highest masticatory efficiency throughout therapy. Therefore, low intensity laser application is effective in reducing TMD symptoms, and has influence over masticatory efficiency [Ev2 (0.2423) and Ev3 (0.2043), observed in the interaction Evaluations x Probes for effective dosage].

Dr. Mane is a board certified chiropractic orthopedist and neurologist.

For more information about the treatment of  Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome  with High Power Laser Therapy or about Dr. Nelson Mane D.C. please visit our website at http://www.manecenter.com/neuropathy.htm. 

Dr. Mane offers one on one consultation for Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome  Sufferers.  If you are interested in scheduling a consultation please call 813-935-4744. 

Maryland TMJ Dentist