Hasanoğlu Erbaşar G.N. et al. - Photobiomodulation and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Synthesis of 30 Systematic Reviews

This synthesis of 30 systematic reviews and 11 randomized controlled trial articles concludes that low-intensity laser therapy, or photobiomodulation, is associated with a short-term reduction in temporomandibular pain. The authors consider the data published since 2019 to be more favorable than the position of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain suggests.

What this study measured

Temporomandibular disorders involve pain and functional limitations affecting the jaw joint and the masticatory muscles. Low-intensity laser therapy has been used to treat these conditions for a long time, but its benefits remain a subject of debate: the American Academy of Orofacial Pain had adopted a critical stance, which was reiterated in its 2023 recommendations and was based on data from before 2019.

Güzin Neda Hasanoğlu Erbaşar and Jens Christoph Türp set three objectives: to verify whether the data available through 2019 supported this position, to identify publications that have appeared since then, and to propose updated recommendations. The search, conducted on PubMed, was updated in February 2026 and identified 30 systematic reviews associated with 156 distinct publications, as well as 11 randomized trial articles corresponding to data from 10 studies. No PROSPERO registrations are cited.

Key Findings

The key finding concerns methodological quality. Studies conducted prior to 2020 are considered weak, while recent publications demonstrate greater rigor and more consistent positive results.

• 30 systematic reviews were included, corresponding to 156 separate publications
• 11 randomized controlled trial articles, representing data from 10 studies
• Significant short-term pain reduction in the available reviews
• Improvement in Maximum Mouth Opening
• Most effective wavelengths: between 810 and 1100 nm
• A treatment duration of more than 4 weeks is associated with the best results
• Enhanced results when used in combination with a mouthguard or physical therapy

This benefit appears to be particularly relevant in cases of temporomandibular joint pain and other intra-articular conditions.

How Photobiomodulation Affects Pain

The mechanism remains hypothetical and has not been tested in this study. Near-infrared light is thought to be absorbed by mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, which would increase ATP production in the exposed tissues. This activation could modulate local inflammation and intra-articular edema, two factors that contribute to joint pain. An effect on nociceptive fiber conduction and on pain mediators is also suggested, as is muscle relaxation that promotes mouth opening. These hypotheses would explain why the most penetrating wavelengths appear to be the most effective.

Limits You Should Know

Heterogeneity remains the main limitation. Protocols differ in terms of wavelength, power, exposure duration, number of sessions, and application sites, which limits the generalizability of the conclusions. Furthermore, this is a synthesis of reviews and trials, with no statistical pooling of individual data or GRADE rating reported in the abstract. Some of the pre-2020 literature is described as methodologically weak. The reported effects are short-term, with no documented long-term follow-up, and the search was limited to a single database, PubMed.

What This Means in Practice

The authors position low-intensity laser therapy as a safe, noninvasive adjunct therapy to be incorporated into a multimodal treatment plan rather than used on its own. The key parameters identified are wavelengths ranging from 810 to 1100 nm and a treatment duration of more than 4 weeks. Combining laser therapy with an occlusal splint or physical therapy yielded better results than laser therapy alone. The abstract does not specify either the power level or the number of sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does photobiomodulation really relieve jaw pain?

According to this review, the available studies report a significant reduction in pain in the short term and improved mouth opening. The benefit appears to be more pronounced in cases of temporomandibular joint pain. The authors refer to this as an adjunctive treatment, not a stand-alone solution.

What wavelength is used?

The authors generally use wavelengths ranging from 810 to 1100 nm, in the far-red and near-infrared regions. Other parameters, including power, are not specified in the abstract and vary widely across studies.

How long should treatment continue?

The best results have been reported for treatment durations longer than 4 weeks. The exact number of sessions is not specified and varies from one protocol to another, which is one of the areas the authors would like to see standardized.

Reference

Hasanoğlu Erbaşar GN, Türp JC. Low-level laser therapy for patients with temporomandibular disorders: a synopsis of systematic reviews and current RCTs. Quintessence International, 2026. PMID 41854148. View the study on PubMed

This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Photobiomodulation is not a substitute for prescribed treatment. Consult a healthcare professional.