What are the best parameters of low-level laser therapy to reduce pain intensity and improve mandibular function in orofacial pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation 2023-09, Vol.ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), p.1-19
• Main Authors: de Oliveira-Souza, Ana Izabela Sobral, Mohamad, Norazlin, de Castro Carletti, Ester Moreira, Müggenborg, Frauke, Dennett, Liz, de Oliveira, Daniella Araújo, Armijo-Olivo, Susan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: chronic pain; Low-level laser therapy; meta-analysis as topic; orofacial pain; systematic review; temporomandibular disorders
• ISSN: 0963-8288; 1464-5165
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2127933

To determine the effectiveness of laser therapy for managing patients with orofacial pain (OFP). In addition, to determine which parameters provide the best treatment effects to reduce pain, improve function, and quality of life in adults with OFP. Systematic review. Searches were conducted in six databases; no date or language restrictions were applied. Studies involving adults with OFP treated with laser therapy were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was performed with the Revised Cochrane RoB-2. A meta-analysis was structured around the OFP type, and outcomes. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessed the overall certainty of the evidence. Eighty-nine studies were included. Most studies (n = 72, 80.9%) were considered to have a high RoB. The results showed that laser therapy was better than placebo in improving pain, maximal mouth open (MMO), protrusion, and tenderness at the final assessment, but with a low or moderate level of evidence. The best lasers and parameters to reduce pain are diode or gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) lasers, a wavelength of 400-800 or 800-1500 nm, and dosage of