Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 9

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Dixit TP.
DixitTP@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Many patients tend to avoid orthodontic treatment just because of the fear of pain from orthodontic treatment. It has been shown that LLLT produces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and accelerates tissue repair. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the low level laser therapy (LLLT) can control the pain caused by the placement of the elastomeric separator Materials and Methodology: Elastomeric separators were placed inter proximally across the upper permanent first molar (both mesially and distally) in both the quadrant. The experimental side was exposed to biostimulation using 810 nm gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser on continuous mode with power set at 200mw. The laser was applied buccally on 3 points mesial, distal and middle approximately at the center of the root of the permanent first molar on experimental side. In the placebo side the laser was held the same way and for the same duration without turning it on. The energy dose was 4J/cm2 at each point and 12J/cm2 on the whole. Pain was evaluated by a questionnaire using numeric rating scale after placement of elastomeric separator. Result: In laser group the pain level gradually decreased and in placebo group the pain level gradually increased from 2 hours to 48 hour at rest (spontaneous) and while chewing. The laser group showed lower levels of pain compared to placebo group at rest and while chewing. Conclusion: A single application of LLLT with a gallium aluminum-arsenic diode laser with   810nm wavelength reduced orthodontic pain associated with the placement of separators. Both spontaneous pain and the pain on chewing were significantly reduced with one dose of LLLT.

Keywords: Low level laser therapy, elastomeric separator, pain reduction.