Effect of Photobiomodulation in Patients With Temporomandibular Dysfunction Refractory to Botulinum Toxin Treatment.

University of Coimbra

Status: Completed

Conditions: Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Treatments: Device: Low- level laser- photobiomodulation therapy

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06915064

USUCLLT2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

The objective of this preliminary research was to identify the effect of low-level laser photobiomodulation therapy (LLLT-PBMT) in patients with myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), refractory to botulinum toxin (BTX) treatment.

Specifically, the hypothesis of LLLT-PBMT as a safe, low-cost, painless, and minimally invasive alternative therapy was proposed to improve complete muscle recovery and significantly reduce muscle paralysis in patients with masticatory muscle disorders previously treated with BTX. Additionally, different treatment alternatives were investigated, and a protocol was suggested for the application of LLLT-PBMT in myofascial TMDs and the pain associated with masticatory muscles, also analyzing its complications and negative effects

Enrollment: 10 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female patients diagnosed with TMDs. Presence of unilateral or bilateral painful symptoms. Associated conditions: Bruxism, hypertrophy of the masticatory muscles, headaches
• Previous treatment with BTX:

Minimum of 3 doses (100 IU) Applied in masticatory muscles and intracapsular area No favorable results obtained

Exclusion criteria

• Patients without prior treatment of this type.
• Patients receiving treatment in the Pain Unit.
• Patients undergoing invasive treatments: Open surgery in the cervicofacial region or TMJ arthrocentesis.

Trial design

10 participants in 1 patient group

LLLT-PBMT

Description:

Three patients (30%) received treatment on the left side and seven (70%) on the right side. The treatment was carried out using the EPIC X laser (BIOLASE®), which uses a solid-state diode as a semiconductor source of invisible infrared radiation.

Treatment:

Device: Low- level laser- photobiomodulation therapy