Photobiomodulation in the Management of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Paresthesia/Dysesthesia following Maxillofacial Surgical Treatments: A Review of the Literature (2020–2026)
Solimano S1*, Taliercio F2, Osses F3, Caneo S4, Salinas F5, Paya C6, Vergara R7
1DDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Central Odontológica, 1st Naval Zone / Hospital Naval Almirante Nef, Unidad de Fisura Labio Palatina/ Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, Viña del Mar, Chile.
2DDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
3DDS, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
4DDS, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
5DDS, Universidad Andrés Bello, Valparaíso, Chile.
6DDS, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
7DDS, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
*Corresponding Author: Sonia Solimano, DDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Central Odontológica, 1st Naval Zone / Hospital Naval Almirante Nef, Unidad de Fisura Labio Palatina/ Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, Viña del Mar, Chile.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.034
Received: August 03, 2026
Published: August 24, 2026
Citation: Solimano S, Taliercio F, Osses F, Caneo S, Salinas F, Paya C, Vergara R. Photobiomodulation in the Management of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Paresthesia/Dysesthesia following Maxillofacial Surgical Treatments: A Review of the Literature (2020–2026). SVOA Dentistry 2026, 7:4, 265-277. doi: 10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.034
Abstract
Objective: To synthesize updated scientific evidence (2020–2026) on the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) —low-level laser therapy (LLLT)— in neurosensory recovery of patients with inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) paresthesia or dysesthesia following maxillofacial surgical procedures.
Data sources: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase. MeSH terms: 'photobiomodulation', 'low-level laser therapy', 'inferior alveolar nerve', 'paresthesia', 'third molar', 'neurosensory'. Period: January 2020 – January 2026.
Selection: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), case series with ≥4 patients, and systematic reviews published in English or Spanish, with quantified evaluation of neurosensory recovery using VAS and/or objective neurosensory tests.
Results: Nine studies were included: 2 systematic reviews (one with meta-analysis), 4 RCTs, and 3 case series/observational studies. The 808–810 nm wavelength (GaAlAs diode, near-infrared) was most frequently applied, with powers of 100–200 mW, fluence of 10 J/cm² per point, and 10–12 sessions. The meta-analysis by Ma et al. (2023, n=14 studies) demonstrated significant overall improvement in IAN neurosensory recovery with PBM (p<0.05). The triple-blind RCT by Yari et al. (2024) showed sustained benefit at 9 months in chronic NSD (>6 months). Early treatment initiation (<6 months) and younger patient age are favorable prognostic factors.
Conclusion: PBM with 808–810 nm diode laser is a noninvasive, safe modality with growing evidence for IAN neurosensory recovery across multiple maxillofacial surgical etiologies, including third molar extraction, sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), implant placement, and traumatic mandibular fracture. Protocol heterogeneity limits high-certainty guideline formulation. Multicenter RCTs with standardized parameters, outcomes, and etiology-specific subgroups are needed.
Keywords: Photobiomodulation; Low-Level Laser Therapy; Inferior Alveolar Nerve; Paresthesia; Dysesthesia; Mandibular Third Molar; Tooth Extraction; Sagittal Split Osteotomy; Orthognathic Surgery; Dental Implants; Mandibular Fracture; Neurosensory Recovery; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
