ORAL AMPLITUDE AND OROFACIAL PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION SUBMITTED TO LASERTHERAPIA AND A MROFACIONAL OROFACIAL THERAPY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effects of laser therapy and orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) on measures of oral amplitude and degree of pain. Methods: Participants were individuals with Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) of muscular origin, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years, divided into experimental group (EG) composed of 11 individuals submitted to 10 sessions of application of infrared laser, associated with orofacial myofunctional therapy. And 08 in the control group (CG), who went through the same steps, but with the inactive laser. It was used the protocol Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) and Visual Analog Pain Scale. Results: There was an increase in oral amplitude before and after laser, from the 1st session on the EG, while in the CG decreased on the 4th. Comparing pre- and post OMT, amplitude increased in EG from the first session and, in the CG, decreased in the 2nd. Comparing post-laser and post OMT, the values were significant from the 2nd session on GE and from the second to last on CG. In the degree of pain, there was a significant decrease in the first laser applications only in the EG. Before and after OMT, the EG presented significant results from the first session, the CG decreased only from the second to last. Comparing post-laser and post OMT, the EG presented significant results in the first sessions and the pain reduction averages remained, whereas the CG presented only in three sessions. Conclusion: Relevant effects were identified, corroborating the treatment of laser therapy for TMD, which enhances OMT gains, bringing satisfactory and expressive results faster. DESCRIPTORS: Speech. Language and Hearing Sciences. Stomatognathic System. Lasers. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. Facial Pain.