Evaluation of the adjunctive effect of photobiomodulation therapy with Nd: YAG laser (1064nm) on decrease of lower lip paresthesia and dysesthesia in patients referred to Tabriz Dental School in 2022-2023

Abstract

Introduction: Paresthesia and dysesthesia of the lower lip following oral surgeries is usually transient, but in some cases it is prolonged and has a negative effect on the quality of life of patients. Therefore, the search for safe and effective treatments to reduce the symptoms caused by neuropathy continues. This study aimed to determine the auxiliary effect of using low-level Nd: Yag laser with 1064 nm wave on reducing paresthesia and dysesthesia of the lower lip in patients referred to Tabriz Dental School. Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial study, 50 patients with paresthesia and dysesthesia of the lower lip following surgery (Sutherland nerve damage grade 1-3) were included in the study and divided into two groups: (1) intervention (low level laser on + routine treatment) and control group (low level laser off + routine treatment). Patients of both groups underwent neurosensory evaluations before the first session and also in each of the laser therapy sessions. Results: VAS score and two-point discrimination in the intervention group in different treatment sessions showed a decreasing trend compared to the baseline, but this decreasing trend was not seen in the control group, and these two groups have a significant difference. In patients with an injury duration of less than 6 months, this reduction process started faster than in patients with an injury duration of more than 6 months. A significant difference in the VAS score between the two intervention and control groups was seen earlier (in the more elementary sessions) compared to the two-point distinction. Conclusions: The use of low-level laser along with routine treatment improved the neurosensory deficit caused by surgery. This effect starts faster in patients whose injury has been less than 6 months.