The efficacy of low-level diode laser versus laser acupuncture for the treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS)

Background@#Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is the most common type of temporomandibular disorder. This study compared the efficacies of low-level diode laser therapy (LLLT) and laser acupuncture therapy (LAT) in the treatment of MPDS. @*Methods@#This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial included 24 patients with MPDS who were randomly divided into two equally sized groups. Patients in the LLLT group received 12 sessions of low-level diode laser irradiation applied to the trigger points of the masticatory muscles during 1 month. The same protocol was also used in the LAT group according to the specific trigger points. We measured pain intensity and maximum mouth opening in both groups at baseline, during treatment, and 2 months after treatment completion. @*Results@#The pain intensities decreased from 6.58±1.31 to 0.33±0.65 and from 7.08 ± 1.37 to 0 in the LLLT and LAT groups, respectively. The maximum mouth openings increased from 32.25 ± 8.78 mm to 42.58 ± 4.75 mm and from 33 ± 6.57 mm to 45.67 ± 3.86 mm in the LLLT and LAT groups, respectively. Pain intensity (P = 0.839) and level of maximum mouth opening (P = 0.790) did not differ significantly between the groups. @*Conclusion@#Our results showed similar efficacy between LLLT and LAT in the treatment of MPDS signs and symptoms.

[Neutral zone utilization in complete denture design [an introduction an technique]]

Ignoring the functional activity of boundary muscles in complete denture construction leads to loss of denture retention, stability and causes other problems and eventually leads to patient dissatisfaction. Recording the neutral zone and utilization it will prevent these problems. Neutral zone has been defined as a space of edentulous area in patient's mouth where the force of the tongue pressing outward is neutralized by forces of the cheeks and lips pressing inward. Recording and utilization of Neutral zone is more important information denture polished surface contours and teeth orientation specially in patients with vigorously atrophic ridges, elderly patients and patients with decreased occlusal vertical dimension. In this study introducing the technique, neutral zone was recorded in a patient lack of muscle tonicity was recorded in maxillary and mandibular acrylic rims which had been made in both jaws special trays. After two weeks and two month follow-ups, the patient was satisfied with her prosthesis; so this technique seems to be an appropriate method for complete denture construction, especially in patients with lack of muscle tonicity