Effect of Low Power Laser on Postoperative Trismus

Postoperative trismus frequently associates the oral surgical interventions performed in the ramus and angle of the mandible. There is no ideal therapy for postoperative trismus. Since the low power laser induces distinguishing primary and secondary biostimulative effects, the aim of the investigation was to determine its effect on the reduction of postoperative trismus. The investigation was performed in 48 patients who had undergone surgical removal of the impacted lower third molar. In 24 examinees, apart from the medical and physical therapy, laser irradiation of surgical wounds and extraoral biostimulative points was applied. In the remaining 24 patients, only the standard postoperative medicinal and physical therapy was applied. Measurement of the mouth opening diameter was taken immediately prior to surgery and on the third postoperative day. Results show that laser therapy was most favorable in the elimination of postoperative trismus. In conclusion it can be emphasized that LPL represents a completely safe additional means of treatment in the postoperative course due to its efficiency in the control of postoperative trismus.