Evaluation of the Effect of Laser Therapy on Lateral Pterygoid Muscle in Patients With Wilke's Stage I and II Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): Case Series Study

"In this study patients will receive the Low-level laser therapy with a 635 nm wavelength diode laser (Lasotronix, Diode Laser DiodeLX model SMART M; Zytnia, Piaseczno, Poland) with 200 mW in a continuous mode, using a handpiece with a cylindrical applicator with a diameter of 8 mm in contact mode extra-orally, fiber-optic applicator with a diameter of 8 mm in contact mode intraorally, with a power density of 400 mW/cm2, delivering 10-12 J/cm2 on each application point, over a period of 20 sec.~There are two methods for examination of lateral pterygoid muscle: digital palpation and functional manipulation.~For digital palpation of lateral pterygoid muscle, we place our index finger or tip of our little finger in the vestibular area adjacent to the maxillary third molar.~Functional manipulation of the inferior head of lateral pterygoid muscle: It is best accomplished by having the patient make a protrusive movement against resistance to contract it since this muscle is the primary pro"