The evaluation of low level laser on reduction of trismus after third molar surgery

Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar is one of the main oral and maxiofacial surgeries. Trismus is one of the complications of surgical removal of impacted third molar that leads to problems in eating because of improper mastication and also problems in speaking and oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Diode laser (810 nm) on trismus after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar.

This study was designed as controlled clinical trial and was performed on 20 patients with having 2 similar and symmetrical impacted mandibular wisdom teeth. Two teeth in each patient were removed surgically within a 2-week interval and randomly one side was selected as experimental group which was irradiated after surgery. In the experimental group, Diode laser irradiated with 810 nm wavelength and 3J intrasocket and 5J buccally and on the other side as control group it was pretended to irradiate the socket but with no actual irradiation. Trismus in the 7th day was evaluated. The results of this study were analyzed by Paired sample T-test and Wilcoxon rank test.

Post surgical trismus was significantly less in laser group compared to placebo group (P-value=0/0001).

It can be concluded that the laser with the applied parameters in this study has positive effects on reduction of post surgical side effects.