Effectiveness Of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy For Pain Relief In Adult Patients During The Initial Space Closure Phase Of Orthodontic Treatment Using Sliding Mechanics : A Single-Blind, Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) on pain reduction during en masse space closure with sliding mechanics following three initial consecutive monthly activations in the resting and the biting condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2-arm trial included thirty patients, having undergone first premolar extractions andindicated for space closure using sliding mechanics. Randomization allocated the experimental and the placebo side for every patient. PEMF therapy (active on one and placebo devices on the other side) was prescribed for three consecutive nights after each posted arch activation. The pain assessment was done using the NRS scale through a Google survey form that was sent as a link via text message at 0, 4, 24, 48, 72 hours after every activation.RESULTS: A significant reduction in pain intensity was found in the experimental group as compared to the placebo group at 72 hours after the first activation, and 48 hours after the second and third activations at rest and bite condition. In the relaxed state, significant reduction in the pain occurred at 24, 48 and 72 hours as compared to 4 hours after all three activations in the experimental group while in the bite state, pain levels reduced significantly at 48 and 72 hours for the first activation and 24, 48, 72 hours for the second and third activations. CONCLUSION: PEMF is an effective modality for pain management in the relaxed and bite condition in the space closure phase of orthodontic therapy using friction mechanics.