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Orofacial pain can significantly affect physical, psychological, and overall quality of life. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of combining photobiomodulation (PBM) with orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) in managing orofacial pain disorders. An electronic search of randomized controlled trials in electronic databases was performed until March 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on PBM and OMT for the management of orofacial pain were included. Risk of bias across individual studies was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for interventions. A total of 10 RCTs were included, out of which 7 RCTs revealed that the combined approach of PBM and OMT had a more pronounced impact on diminishing pain and enhancing functional activity in patients with orofacial disorders. One study reported significant increases in pressure pain threshold for TMJ, masseter, and anterior temporalis muscles at both sides in the post-treatment compared with the pre-treatment in both groups. The risk of bias was low in 7, moderate in 2, and high in 1 study. The efficacy of a combined modality treatment of PBM with OMT for orofacial pain disorder shows promising results. However, further randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up periods standardized PBM and OMT parameters are warranted to obtain firm conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the effect of chewing sugar-free gum towards alleviating self-reported orthodontic treatment (OT) pain compared with conventional analgesic drugs (CADs). An unrestricted search of indexed databases and manual searching was performed up to September 2021. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the impact of chewing gum and CADs on relieving self-reported orthodontic pain were included. Data screening, extraction and risk of bias (RoB) assessment were performed by two authors. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. The quality of available evidence was assessed using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Nine RCTs were included. Eight RCTs used the Visual Analogue Scale for self-reported pain assessment, while one RCT used the Numeric Rating Scale. Five RCTs had a high RoB and four RCTs had a moderate RoB. Power analysis for sample size estimation was performed in six RCTs. Separate meta-analyses were performed by pooling quantitative data from five RCTs that compared self-reported orthodontic pain between chewing gum and ibuprofen groups for the following timepoints: baseline; immediately; 2 hours; 6 hours; bedtime; 24 hours; 2 days; 3 days; 5 days; and 7 days after the placement of orthodontic appliances. None of the timepoints individually indicated a difference in self-reported pain scores between chewing sugar-free gum and ibuprofen groups. The overall level of evidence was very low. Chewing sugar-free gum is a potentially useful alternative to CADs towards pain alleviation during fixed OT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The influence of low-level-laser therapy (LLLT) on the stability of orthodontic mini-screw implants (MSIs) has not been systematically reviewed. Objectives The aim was to assess the influence of LLLT on the stability of orthodontic MSIs. Methods An unrestricted search of indexed databases was performed. Selection criteria Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the influence of LLLT on orthodontic MSI stability. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently performed study retrieval and selection, and data extraction. The risk of bias (RoB) of individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB Tool for RCTs. Meta-analyses were performed separately for RCTs using periotest and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) to measure MSI stability; and a random effects model was applied. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the time-points of MSI stability evaluation. The quality of available evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Results Initially, 1332 articles were screened. Six RCTs with a split-mouth design were included. The periotest was used in 4 RCTs and 2 RCTs used RFA to measure MSI stability. All RCTs had a low RoB. Subgroup analyses based on periotest indicated that MSIs treated with LLLT had significantly higher stability than untreated MSIs at 21 and 30 days [weighted mean difference (MD) = −2.76, confidence interval (CI): [−4.17, −1.36], P-value = 0.0001) and at 60 days (weighted MD = −3.47, CI: [−4.58, −2.36], P < 0.00001); and the level of certainty was high. Subgroup analyses based on RFA showed higher stability of MSIs treated with than without LLLT at 56 and 60 days (standardized MD = 0.82, CI: [0.32, 1.32], P = 0.001), and at 70 and 90 days (standardized MD = 0.86, CI: [0.36, 1.36], P = 0.0007); and the level of certainty was moderate. Limitations Due to limited number of relevant studies, it was not possible to perform sensitivity analysis, subgroup analyses for patient and intervention-related characteristics, and reporting biases assessment. Conclusions The role of LLLT on the secondary stability of MSIs placed in patients undergoing OT remains debatable. Clinical Trial Registration PROSPERO (CRD42021230291). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental injections are routinely performed and can result in pain and anxiety in patients. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in dental injections for pain management in patients undergoing dental treatment. Indexed databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Library, were electronically searched without a time limit up to February 2024. A risk of bias evaluation was performed using the Cochrane tool. A preliminary investigation using electronic and manual methods yielded 4,920,881 manuscripts. Based on the eligibility requirements, 13 randomized control trials (RCTs) were included. Self-assessed pain was determined using the visual analog scale, Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Controllability scale, or Wong-Baker face pain scale. Eight RCTs demonstrated a notable decrease in needle pain in patients undergoing dental needle injections using PBMT. Based on current evidence, PBMT may help reduce needle pain related to dental anesthesia. Further standardized studies are needed to assess the significance of PBMT for postoperative pain in patients undergoing dental injections., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have no personal or financial conflicts to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.)