Purpose: Aim of the study was to compare the effect of Photobiomodulation therapy and Cryotherapy on relieving pain and
trismus after third molar surgery.
Methods: Forty patients - who underwent surgical removal of their lower third molar - participated in this study. They were
randomly assigned into two groups of twenty patients. A diode laser device - with a continuous wavelength of 808 nm and a
maximal output power of 100 mW - was used. Patients in the photobiomodulation group received 12 J (fluence of 4 J/cm2) over
four points on masseter muscle for 10 days, extraorally. Patients in the Cryotherapy group received postoperative ice bags on
the painful area of the cheek for 30 minutes for 10 days. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Inter-Incisal Mouth Opening were
used: before starting the treatment, after five days, and after ten days.
Results: Photobiomodulation therapy was more effective than cryotherapy on pain and trismus relief after third molar surgery
in terms of decreasing visual analogue scale and increasing vernier caliper gauge.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that Photobiomodulation therapy was more effective than Cryotherapy for reduction of
postoperative pain and trismus after ten days of third molar surgery.