Terapie Laser nel trattamento delle algie oro-facciali.

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) potentially able to produce bio-stimulating and analgesic effects and to promote tissue healing. Materials and methods. A small sample of patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) non responding to other therapies was selected in the Oral Pathology Department of the University of Milan Dental Clinic. A diode laser 810 nm (Doctor Smile, Lambda Scientifica\uae Italy) with optical fibre with diameter 600 u\u3bcm or for whitening treatment was used. From March 2006 to September 2007 13 BMS patients (11 women and 2 men) underwent the LLLT treatment twice a week for 6 weeks. Every appointment consisted of 5 applications lasting 1 minute, with 5 watt in CW, avoiding contact with soft tissue. Follow- up lasted 12 weeks after LLLT. After every single appointment patients' symptoms were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Results. Significantly improvements were registered in all patients. Burning sensation reached lowest values during 6 weeks treatment. At the end of follow-up VAS scores were higher than those measured at the beginning of LLLT. Conclusions. According to literature references and data observed the authors say that LLLT can be a valuable therapeutic alternative in BMS patients who did not respond previous therapies. Laser therapy can be used together with other treatments both topical and systemic

Iposcialia: considerazioni eziopatogenetiche e meccanismi farmaco indotti.

Objectives. To review the current hypotheses on the pathogenesis and pharmacodynamic mechanisms involved in hyposalivation induced by different classes of drugs. Materials and methods. The authors analyze the basic anatomical and functional aspects of drug-induced hyposalivation. Particular emphasis is placed on the classification of xerogenic drugs that are commonly used for the therapy of high-prevalence diseases. Results. At the dosages normally recommended, most xerogenic drugs are not harmful to the salivary glands. Care should be taken to avoid combining drugs with anticholinergic effects, which can cause hyposalivation in patients who do not experience this effect when treated with a single anticholinergic drug. Conclusions. In most cases, drug-induced xerostomia can be reversed by discontinuing/replacing the drug responsible for the symptoms. When this is done, the symptom should gradual regress