Lasers have been around for several decades and have been used to treat a multitude of different medical conditions. More recently, however, they have come into usage for dental treatment, specifically for issues related to the Temporomandibular Joint. Low Level Laser Therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation, can benefit those who suffer from pain in their temporomandibular joint area as well as pain in the facial muscles that connect the joint to the jawbone.
The everyday stressors of life can cause people to grind and clench their teeth, which in turn causes the sensation of pain from the jaw joint. And the facial muscles can become overworked, tight and constricted due to those habits. In the past, we would treat this with anti-inflammatory medications, with massage of the joint area and facial muscles and sometimes with an occlusal guard. But for patients who have tried the above without success, the use of Photobiomodulation can help.
Photobiomodulation involves the use of a handheld laser that emits light energy which helps to relieve pain, relax the muscles, decrease inflammation and speed healing. The treatments are performed about twice a week for several weeks and are brief, with each session lasting roughly fifteen minutes. And the treatment is non-invasive, as the laser is applied to the outside of the face/joint area.
So if you suffer from pain in the jaw joint or in the muscles of the face that has not been alleviated by conventional treatments, consider using Photobiomodulation as an alternative method of treatment.
