application of low level laser in temporomandibular disorders

introduction: the american academy of orofacial pain defined temporomandibular disorders (tmds) as”a collective term that embraces a number of clinical problems that involve the masticatory muscles, the tmj (temporomandibular joint), and the associated structures”. pain and dysfunctional symptoms or signs such as limitations in opening, asymmetric jaw movements and tmj sounds are the most common findings. tmd is a prevalent disease that is most common among 20 to 40 year-olds; not a disease of senility. researches show that about 75% of the population has one sign of tmd, and approximately 33% has at least one tmd symptom. they reported that 3.6% - 7% of the population has severe tmd problems that cause patients to seek treatment. low level laser is a conservative treatment method that has been introduced in recent years.the purpose of this article is to review the related investigations and introduce the applications of low level lasers in tmd treatment. methods: electronic data bases were searched and hand search of published articles and texts was done. result and conclusion: laser application can be beneficial in different ways for tmd problems. in many cases occlusal adjustment and taking impression for splint is necessary but the pain prevents conventional treatment. pain relief can be achieved by irradiating the joint and tender points; musculature will be relaxed, and treatment can begin. it has been revealed in recent clinical experiences and clinical studies that for myogenic conditions rather high doses are needed and that the energy density itself is an important factor. the disagreement in result of older studies may be related to this fact.