Occlusal Splint Combined with Local Laser Irradiation in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of occlusal splint and local laser irradiation in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders.Methods: 225 temporomandibular disorder(TMD) patients were randomly divided into 3 groups(75 patients in each) and their treatment results were retrospectively reviewed.In group A,occlusal splint and local laser irradiation were used.In group B,a local block injection were used combining with local laser irradiation.In group C,local laser irradiation were used only.Block injection solution was 1 mL 2% lidocaine and 2 mL acetic prednisolone suspension once a week for 3-5 weeks.An occlusal splint was fabricated to elevate mandible occlusal level for 4 mm at night.MDC-500IP semiconductor laser construction was used to irradiate temporomandibular joint area once a day and 10 days as a period of treatment.Results: The effective rate of group A、B、C were 93.33%,85.02% and 70.67% respectively.Conclusion: The occlusal splint combined with local laser irradiation may be a comparatively beneficial treatment for TMD,which is worthy clinical application.