Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy: A Novel Approach to Diminish Pain Associated With Elastomeric Separators

ABSTRACT

Background: Orthodontic pain usually appears hours after the force is applied. Methods employed for pain relief include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vibratory stimulation, chewing gum, anaesthetic gel, bite wafers, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and low level laser therapy. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a single dose of low level laser therapy on pain associated with elastomeric separators. Methods: The sample comprised 30 patients. Elastomeric separators were placed mesial and distal to the permanent first molars in all quadrants. Both arches were divided into experimental and control sides. The experimental sides were treated with low-level laser therapy. The other side received placebo laser therapy without turning on the laser. A numeric rating scale was used to assess the intensity of spontaneous pain, pain after chewing, brushing, drinking water and warm drinks for five days. Results: There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the laser and the placebo groups on spontaneous pain perceived by the patients for all 5 days. Conclusion: A single application of laser with a gallium aluminium- arsenic diode laser with a 980-nm wavelength can reduce orthodontic pain associated with the placement of separators