ORIGINAL ARTICLE Wavelength effect in temporomandibular joint pain: a clinical experience Carolina M. Carvalho & Juliana A. de Lacerda & Fernando P. dos Santos Neto & Maria Cristina T. Cangussu & Aparecida M. C. Marques & Antônio L. B. Pinheiro Received: 19 August 2008 / Accepted: 28 May 2009 / Published online: 30 June 2009 # Springer-Verlag London Ltd 2009 Abstract Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are com- mon painful multifactorial conditions affecting the tempo- romandibular joint (TMJ) and whose treatment depends on the type and symptoms. Initially, it requires pain control, and, for this, drugs, biting plates, occlusal adjustment, physiotherapy or their association are used. Lately, laser phototherapy (LPT) has been used in the treatment of pain of several origins, including TMDs. This study reports the treatment of a selected group of 74 patients treated at the Laser Center of the Federal University of Bahia between 2003 and 2008. Following standard anamneses, clinical and imaging examination and with the diagnosis of any type of TMD, the patients were prepared for LPT. No other intervention was carried out during the treatment. Treat- ment consisted of three sessions a week for 6 weeks. Prior to irradiation, the patients were asked to score their pain using a visual analog scale (VAS). Lasers of wavelength (λ) 780 nm, λ790 nm or λ830 nm and/or λ660 nm were used at each session (30/40 mW; spot (ϕ) ∼3 mm; mean dose per session 14.2±6.8 J/cm 2 ; mean treatment dose of 170± 79.8 J/cm 2 ). Of the patients, 80% were female (∼46 years old). At the end of the 12 sessions the patients were again examined, and they scored their pain using the VAS. The results were statistically analyzed and showed that 64% of the patients were asymptomatic or had improved after treatment and that the association of both wavelengths was statistically significant (P =0.02) in the asymptomatic group. It was concluded that the association of red and infrared (IR) laser light was effective in pain reduction on TMJ disorders of several origins. Keywords Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) . Laser therapy . Laser phototherapy Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are multifacto- rial conditions in which the most common symptoms are pain (joint, muscles), limited movement or locking of the jaw, and grating sounds in the TMJ when the mouth is being opened or closed [1]. Nonsurgical treatment of TMDs generally consist of medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antidepressants. NSAIDs may reduce the inflammation but may also increase the risk of complica- tions, such as gastric ulcer and nephrotoxicity [2, 3]. Other treatments used are occlusal splints, physical therapy, treatment of parafunctional activities and alter- natives therapies [4]. Laser phototherapy (LPT) [5] is an option for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects [6]. Previous studies have shown positive effects of LPT, with good patient acceptance and reduction in the use of drugs [7–9]. The results of the placebo-controlled study of Cetiner et al. [4] in 39 patients concluded that LPT is an appropriate treatment for TMDs and should be considered as an alternative to other methods. Statistically significant Lasers Med Sci (2010) 25:229–232 DOI 10.1007/s10103-009-0695-y C. M. Carvalho : J. A. de Lacerda : F. P. dos Santos Neto : A. M. C. Marques : A. L. B. Pinheiro (*) Laser Center, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Av. Araújo Pinho, 62, Canela, 40140-110 Salvador, BA, Brazil e-mail: albp@ufba.br M. C. T. Cangussu Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil