Acupuntura a laser no tratamento da disfunção temporomandibular: ensaio clínico controlado randomizado

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of occlusal device (OD), Laser Acupuncture Therapy (MAGALHÃES et al.), and their combination (ODLAT) in treating temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Materials and Methods: A total of 104 participants (84 women and 20 men), selected based on Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and specific eligibility criteria, were randomly assigned to three groups: OD (n=34), LAT (n=34), and ODLAT (n=36). Participants in the OD groups were instructed on occlusal device usage, while LAC was administered weekly for 5 weeks according to a standardized protocol. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), mandibular mobility was assessed by maximum pain-free mouth opening, and oral health-related quality of life was evaluated using the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Results: Participants had an average age of 34.34 ± 12.72 years. Significant immediate pain reduction was observed after the first session in the ODLAT and LAT groups (p < 0.05). At the 12-week follow-up, the ODLAT group reported the lowest pain scores (p < 0.05). Mandibular mobility showed significant improvement from baseline to weeks 4 and 12 across all groups. While all therapies reduced OHIP-14 scores, the ODLAT group exhibited significantly lower scores at reevaluation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, all therapies were effective in alleviating TMD symptoms, with combined ODLAT therapy demonstrating superior outcomes compared to individual treatments.