Effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on inferior alveolar, mental and lingual nerves after traumatic injury in 15 patients. a pilot study

Abstract

The therapeutic effect of LLLT on the inferior alveolar, mental and lingual nerves was observed in a group of 15 patients with short and long-term neurosensory impairment. In six subjects with clinical symptoms of loss than 1 year's duration, improvement of sensitivity increased from ‘O' to between 40 and 100% (average 78.3%) as estimated on the visual analogue scale (VAS). In eight patients with clinical symptoms of more than 1 year improvement increased to between 40 and 90% (average 66.9%). Only one patient had no improvement, but remained at 20% level on the VAS. LLLT was applied using an infrared diode laser (GaALAs 830 nm, 70 mW continuous wave), with a dose of 4.9 J/cm2 at each point three times per week and varied between 2 and 8 weeks. Considerable improvement of sensation was observed after the final treatment session. No side-effects were reported and patients have maintained the effective results for 2 years follow-up. In future studies, methods should be developed to investigate the possible effect of LLLT on peripheral nerve injuries. © 1993, International Phototherapy Association. All rights reserved.