Temporomandibular disorders and the use of traditional and laser acupuncture: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Objective

To evaluate current studies to establish and compare the efficacy of traditional and laser acupuncture in reducing the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Clinical, controlled, and randomized trials written in English and having used traditional or laser acupuncture as therapy for TMD and RDC/TMD or DC/TMD as a diagnostic criterion for TMD were included.

Results

Six studies that evaluated the intensity of pain and the level of mouth opening of the patients submitted to acupuncture were selected, and all showed improvement. However, similar results were also observed in the groups treated with occlusal splint and placebo acupuncture. Only one study evaluated laser acupuncture and showed a higher proportion of patients with remission of symptoms in the experimental group.

Conclusion

The traditional acupuncture seems to relieve the signs and symptoms of TMD, as well as laser acupuncture when associated with occlusal splint. However, more rigorous and high-quality clinical trials are needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Acupuncture
• dentistry
• laser acupuncture
• temporomandibular joint
• temporomandibular joint disorders

Acknowledgments

All authors contributed effectively to the scientific and intellectual production of the study; data acquisition, data interpretation; preparation and draft of the manuscript; critical review; and final approval.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.