AVALIAÇÃO DA EFICÁCIA DA TERAPIA COM LASER DE BAIXA INTENSIDADE NA REDUÇÃO DA DOR NOS ESTÁGIOS INICIAIS DO TRATAMENTO ORTODÔNTICO

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically the Low Level Laser therapy (LLLT) effectiveness in reducing pain caused by orthodontic movement that occurs in the early stages of treatment. Methods: The sample was consisted of 54 patients in need of orthodontic treatment divided into two groups. A 28 experimental patients group (average age: 26.84 years old) was undergone to twelve GaAlAs infrared laser rays on each tooth immediately after the installation of the first alignment wire, and a 26 patients control group (average age: 29.13 years old) was undergone to no pain control intervention at all. Pain intensity was measured by using a visual analog scale, in which was marked pain level (mm) reported in 06, 24, 48 and 72 hours. The perception of pain (beginning, peak, decline and absence) was evaluated by filling up a questionnaire. To compare the intensity and perception of pain between groups, a non-parametric Mann-Whitney has been performed. Results: The experimental group showed levels (mm) at 6 (p=0,0004), 24 (p=0,0041) e 48 hours (p=0,007) and perception of pain (hours) in the peak (p=0,0261), decline (p=0,0255) na absence (p=0,0085) significantly lower compared to the group control. Conclusion: Low-level laser therapy is effective in reducing pain severity caused by orthodontic forces activation and it promotes analgesic action lasting effect during the most painful feeling time.