Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a common group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles of mastication, leading to pain and dysfunction in the jaw. The management of TMD traditionally involves a combination of conservative therapies, medications, and surgical interventions. Recently, laser therapy has emerged as a potential treatment modality due to its non-invasive nature and reported benefits in various medical and dental conditions. This thesis aims to assess the efficacy of laser therapy in the management of TMD. Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to the study, outlining the background of TMD, the problem statement, objectives of the study, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definitions of key terms. The literature review in Chapter 2 covers ten key aspects related to TMD, laser therapy, and their intersection, exploring existing research and gaps in knowledge. Chapter 3 details the research methodology, including the research design, participant selection criteria, laser therapy protocols, outcome measures, data collection methods, and statistical analysis plan. The findings of the study are extensively discussed in Chapter 4, highlighting the outcomes of laser therapy on pain levels, jaw function, quality of life, and patient satisfaction in TMD patients. The conclusion and summary in Chapter 5 consolidate the research findings, discussing the implications for clinical practice, limitations of the study, recommendations for future research, and the overall significance of laser therapy in the management of TMD. This thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence on the efficacy of laser therapy in TMD, providing valuable insights for dental practitioners and researchers seeking alternative treatment options for this challenging condition.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of the Efficacy of Laser Therapy in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders" aims to investigate the effectiveness of laser therapy in treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Temporomandibular disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication, and associated structures, leading to pain, limited jaw movement, and functional impairment. Laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment modality that uses low-level laser light to reduce pain and inflammation, has shown promise in various medical fields, but its specific efficacy in managing TMD requires further exploration. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on laser therapy for TMD, including its mechanisms of action, reported outcomes, and potential benefits. This review will serve as the foundation for understanding the current landscape of laser therapy in TMD management and identifying gaps in knowledge that warrant further investigation. Following the literature review, the project will outline a rigorous research methodology to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in TMD treatment. This methodology will include details on participant selection, treatment protocols, outcome measures, and data analysis techniques. The study aims to recruit a sample of TMD patients and administer laser therapy sessions according to established protocols, monitoring changes in pain levels, jaw function, and quality of life over a specified treatment period. The data collected during the study will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to assess the impact of laser therapy on TMD symptoms. The results will be interpreted in the context of existing literature and clinical guidelines to determine the efficacy of laser therapy as a viable treatment option for TMD patients. Any limitations encountered during the study, such as sample size constraints or methodological challenges, will be acknowledged and discussed to provide a comprehensive overview of the research findings. In conclusion, this project seeks to contribute valuable insights to the field of dentistry by evaluating the efficacy of laser therapy in managing temporomandibular disorders. By providing evidence-based recommendations on the use of laser therapy for TMD treatment, this research aims to support clinicians in making informed decisions about incorporating this innovative modality into their practice. Ultimately, the findings of this study have the potential to enhance patient care and improve outcomes for individuals suffering from temporomandibular disorders.