ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in relation to pain intensity, tender points, joint sounds and jaw movements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients received 6 sessions of LLLT (3 times a week for 2 weeks) with semiconductive diode laser (gallium arsenide; 904 nm, 0.6 W, 60 s, 4 J/cm(2)). Pain intensity, number of tender points, joint sounds and active range of motion were assessed before and immediately after each session and after 1, 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were achieved in all study parameters. CONCLUSION: LLLT promoted satisfactory results in reducing the pain intensity, number of tender points, joint sounds and improvement in the range of jaw motion. Hence it is an effective and efficient treatment method for TMDs.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the awareness amongst dental students, practitioners and maxillofacial surgeons the role of folic acid in the prevention of CLAP and its clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaire based study involving a sample base of 1100, comprising of dental students, practitioners and specialist maxillofacial surgeons. RESULTS: hundred percent of the sample population were aware of CLAP disorders, of which 9.5 % believed that CLAP could be prevented. 3.8 % of the population were able to correlate folic acid to CLAP while a negligible 0.03 % could provide the dosage. CONCLUSION: Educating healthcare providers and, in turn, the prospective parents on benefits folic acid would not only help in reducing the incidence of CLAP but also significantly influence the economics of the patients afflicted with CLAP disorders.
