Abstract
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions affecting the craniofacial region and are a major cause of chronic orofacial pain and functional impairment. Despite the availability of numerous conservative treatment modalities, optimizing pain management while restoring jaw function remains a significant clinical challenge. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach owing to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biostimulatory effects. However, considerable variability in treatment protocols has limited the establishment of standardized clinical guidelines.
This keynote lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence supporting the use of PBMT in the management of TMDs, with particular emphasis on the optimization of irradiation parameters, including wavelength, power output, energy density, irradiation intensity, treatment frequency, and duration. The biological mechanisms underlying PBMT, including modulation of inflammatory mediators, enhancement of mitochondrial activity, improvement of microcirculation, and stimulation of tissue repair, will be discussed to explain their relationship with clinical outcomes.
Practical recommendations for integrating evidence-based PBMT protocols into routine clinical practice will be presented, together with current limitations of the literature and future research priorities. By translating the growing body of scientific evidence into clinically applicable strategies, this lecture aims to provide clinicians, researchers, and educators with a clear framework for optimizing PBMT protocols, improving patient outcomes, and advancing the management of temporomandibular disorders through precision-based, evidence-driven care.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the pathophysiology of temporomandibular disorders and the rationale for using photobiomodulation therapy.
- Explain how PBMT parameters influence biological responses and therapeutic outcomes.
- Interpret the latest clinical evidence regarding PBMT effectiveness for pain reduction and functional improvement in TMD patients.
- Demonstrate an evidence-based approach to selecting appropriate PBMT treatment parameters for different clinical scenarios.
- Integrate current evidence into clinical decision-making to optimize patient outcomes and improve the quality of TMD management.
