Comparative assessment of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) vs. topical application of amlexanox + lidocaine to treat recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs): A randomized controlled trial

• Main Authors: Charu Mohan Marya, Jiksha Mehlawat, Ruchi Nagpal, Sakshi Kataria, Pratibha Taneja
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences 2021-02-01
• Series: Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects
• Subjects: amlexanox and lidocaine; drug therapy; low-level laser therapy; randomized controlled trial; recurrent aphthous ulcers
• Online Access: https://joddd.tbzmed.ac.ir/PDF/joddd-15-11.pdf

Background. The present study aimed to assess and compare the pain perception and ulcer sizes before and after applying low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and Amlexanox + lidocaine. Methods. Twenty-six patients referring to the out-patient department of the institution and diagnosed with recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) were assigned to two groups to receive either LLLT or Amlexanox + lidocaine. In group 1, the patients were provided with amlexanox + lidocaine to apply topically four times daily. In group 2, the patients underwent LLLT with no tissue contact in inward circular motions for two cycles for 30 seconds. This study was registered in "the Clinical Trials Registry- India" (CTRI), with the registration number CTRI/2019/09/028222. The data were analyzed with SPSS 16. Results. The intergroup comparison was performed using Mann-Whitney U test, and intragroup comparisons were made using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. The results showed that pain perception and ulcer size were significantly lower in group 2 subjects than group 1 subjects (P<0.05). Conclusion. LLLT was more effective than amlexanox + lidocaine in the management of RAU. It is a cost-effective therapy for treating RAU.