Photobiomodulation with 808nm laser associated with vitamin B12 as a strategy in the treatment of paresthesia of the inferior alveolar and lingual nerve arising from lower third molar extraction: a case report

Introduction: Paresthesia is a neurosensitive disorder caused by an injury of the neural tissue. The advised treatment approaches for paresthesia are microsurgery, drug treatment, acupuncture, nerve decompression and  photobiomodulation (PBM). Studies have shown the influence of PBM on cellular metabolism, in order to exert a positive action at molecular levels, relieving pain, reducing nerve damage and accelerating neural tissue repair processes. Objective: To report a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with paresthesia submitted to PBM treatment and medication consisting of vitamin B12. Case Report: The patient reported sensory loss of the tongue, lips, lower alveolar ridge on the right side and hypogeusia in the immediate post operative care period. The patient was diagnosed with paresthesia of the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves and submitted to PBM treatment during a period of 6 months. Conclusion: PBM in the innervation pathway affected by paresthesia demonstrates effectiveness for sensory improvement. This work  illustrates treatment options that can be used in similar clinical manifestations.