Eficácia do uso do laser em baixa intensidade nos pontos de auriculoterapia para a redução da dor pós operatória em exodontias de terceiros molares inferiores

Abstract

Third molars extraction is the most common surgical procedure in dentistry. A comfortable post-operative period and rapid return to daily activities increased the need to control inflammation and its signs and symptoms, such as pain and edema. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic are used for this purpose, but they can often cause adverse effects such as allergies and gastritis. The low intensity laser therapy in auricular acupuncture points can be used to reduce the amount of conventional drugs in the postoperative period or as an alternative when these drugs are contraindicated. Among the advantages of the laser, we can mention the low risk of side effects, low cost and application simplicity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the low intensity laser efficiency at the point of auriculotherapy in reducing postoperative pain in the lower third molar extractions. 76 surgeries were performed in bilateral and symmetrical lower third molars in 38 healthy patients (ASA I). The split-mouth technique was used, so each patient was their own control. Immediately after surgery, each side was randomly treated with different procedures in a double-blind design: low intensity laser in auricular acupuncture points or simulation of its use (contralateral side). All patients received the same analgesic (paracetamol) and used it only in case of pain. The primary variable was the post-operative pain, and the secondary variables was: mouth opening, edema, local temperature, dysphagia, presence of infection (systemic temperature, lymphadenopathy). These variables were evaluated at baseline, 24 hours, 48 hours and seven days after surgery. All adverse events were recorded. This study was registered as a clinical trial in clinicaltrials.gov under number NCT02657174.