Effect of low-level laser on the healing of neurosensory disturbance following sagittal split ramus osteotomy: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Neurosensory disturbances following orthognathic surgery, especially sagittal split ramus osteotomy are quite common. Furthermore improving the injuries to the inferior alveolar nerve following ramus osteotomy is still a challenge. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the improvement of neurosensory disturbance following sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded clinical study was executed in a university-affiliated hospital, Tehran, Iran, during January 2017 and March 2018. Patients underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) divided into case and control groups. Ten sessions of laser irradiation of 810 nanometers wavelength and power of 70 mW were rendered for eight minutes in the case group, while the patients in the control group were not irradiated. Thermal test, mechanoreceptor sensory tests, and satisfaction of the patients were evaluated during follow up examinations. Mapping of the affected skin area was marked to assess the healing process of the nerve damage. Results: A total of 40 patients were included in the current study followed for a 12-month period. Statistical analysis of extracted data from the two-point discrimination test showed the significant better response of mechanoreceptors among the case group patients rather than the control ones (P value = 0.035). Marking the hyposthetic skin area in the patients that experienced laser therapy demonstrated that almost all of them manifested less sense on the vermilion area (85% in the case group versus 15% in the control group). Despite the control group patients whom on the mental foramen area significantly more paresthesia was experienced. Conclusions: In conclusion, low-level laser therapy following sagittal split osteotomy may be helpful in faster recovery of nerve injuries and higher satisfaction of the patients.