Role of Laser Biostimulation in Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Clinical Trial

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF). MATERIAL & METHODS: 20 patients with a clinical diagnosis of OSMF were included in the study after informed consents and measurements of mouth opening (mm) and burning sensation (VAS) were made at day 0. Laser biostimulation was performed on right and left cheeks in anterior and posterior bands for 3 cycles of 10 seconds each. They were recalled for follow-up measurements and laser biostimulation at 3rd, 7th and 15th day. The paired t-test was applied for analysing significant differences, if any, using SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS: In the follow up recordings, generally, there was an increase in mouth opening after LLLT therapy and a significant difference was seen in males(p=.04) as well as the total population(p=0.02). Burning sensation(VAS Scale), on day zero was 5.5±1.20, which was reduced to 3.4±.084 on the 15th day with a significant difference seen in the entire study population(p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Biostimulation by laser in the treatment of OSMF is a good non-invasive, painless and quick alternative treatment modality for the management of the diseases.