Laser Therapy for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The Effect of Dental Laser Therapy for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that has detrimental effects on connective tissue and other organs. The musculoskeletal system is one of the most affected systems in this group of patients including the temporomandibular joint. The most common symptoms when muscle involvement in SLE are muscle atrophy decreased muscle strength and myopathy. SLE activity and long-term corticosteroid use are thought to be responsible for these symptoms, thus, SLE patients are accepted to be at higher risk for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Low-level laser therapy(LLLT) is frequently used in the treatment of TMD due to its pain relief and anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, in this study, LLLT has been used to evaluate this treatment modality on the chewing function and pain values of SLE patients with myogenic TMD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having myogenic temporomandibular joint disorder,
• Following a stable medical regime,
• Showing minimum pain intensity of 50 mm on the visual analog scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having concurrent systemic diseases,
• Using antimalarial drugs,
• Wearing removable prosthesis,
• History of facial trauma.