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The Efficacy of Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) as an Adjunct Treatment for Pain and Functional Outcomes in Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Sponsor: University of Malaya
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct treatment in patients aged 18 years and older diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does LLLT improve pain intensity during muscle palpation and mandibular movements? 2. Does LLLT improve functional outcomes, such as maximum mouth opening, lateral excursions, and protrusive movements? Researchers will compare active LLLT alongside conservative treatment to a sham laser with conservative treatment to see if the active laser provides significantly greater reductions in pain and improvements in jaw function. Participants will follow a standardized conservative treatment protocol, which includes taking ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, applying moist heat therapy, and eating a soft diet. Receive either an active laser treatment or a sham (placebo) laser treatment on identified tender points for 38 seconds per point, given in six sessions over two weeks. Undergo pain and functional assessments at baseline, after each treatment session, and at Day 14 and Day 30 follow-up visits.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2024-01-02
Completion Date
2025-08-30
Last Updated
2026-09-25
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
LLLT
The LLLT group was treated with a 940 nm diode laser (10 J/cm2, 0.3 W, 1.13 cm2 spot size) applied to tender points for 38 seconds per point over six sessions within two weeks
Sham (No LLLT)
Non activated LLLT applied to tender points for 38 seconds per point over six sessions within two weeks
Locations (1)
Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia