Analgesic effects of pre-injection low-level laser/light therapy (LLLT) before third molar surgery: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Publication date: Available online 4 May 2017
Source:Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
Author(s): Jacco G.C. Tuk, Arjen J. van Wijk, Ine Mertens, Zuhal Keles, Jerome A.H. Lindeboom, Dan M.J. Milstein
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pre-injection sites in patients scheduled for third molar removal.Study DesignThis double-blind randomized controlled trial included 163 healthy patients undergoing third molar extractions who were randomly divided into a LLLT and placebo group. Objective and subjective datasets were obtained from physiological feedback (heart rate, and sweat response) and a questionnaire, respectively. In the LLLT group each targeted injection site was irradiated twice with 198 mW continuous wave for 30 s with a 0.088 cm² focal spot at an applied energy of 5.94 J and fluence of 67.50 J/cm². Measurements were recorded from four time-points during data acquisition.ResultsThe LLLT and placebo groups did not significantly differ in pain experience scores associated with the injected sites for maxillary or mandibular third molar extractions. Mean heart rates before and during injection were lower in the LLLT group than in the placebo group for both maxillary and mandibular regions. No statistically significant differences were observed for any remaining parameters.ConclusionsThe present data indicated that pre-injection LLLT did not effectively decrease the pain felt during local anesthetic injections prior to third molar surgery.



http://ift.tt/2q8mnsu