Manejo de la parestesia del nervio dentario inferior postextracción de terceros molares mediante terapia láser: una revisión

Abstract

Introduction: Extraction of mandibular third molars is a common intervention that can cause complications such as damage to adjacent teeth, swelling, bleeding, infection and nerve injuries, with injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) being significant. Low-level laser therapy is presented as a promising option for the regeneration of damaged nerve tissue and the treatment of paresthesia. Methodology: A narrative review was performed with an exhaustive search in databases such as Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar using validated DeCS descriptors between 2019 and 2024. Inclusion criteria covered publications in Portuguese, English and Spanish languages, while studies on other surgical procedures were excluded. Results: 13 representative articles were identified. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to be effective in nerve tissue regeneration and pain relief, with significant improvements in healing and neurosensory recovery. Discussion: The literature agrees that LLLT is effective in treating post-surgical paresthesia, although standardization of protocols is needed. Some studies suggest combining LLLT with vitamin B12 as an additional benefit. Conclusions: LLLT has great potential for treating paresthesia after third molar extraction. However, the lack of standardization in protocols limits its clinical implementation, and more studies in this area are recommended. General field of study: Dentistry. Specific field of study: Oral Surgery. Type of article: Narrative literature review.