(TC41) Treating Neural Injuries Using Laser Photobiomodulation

Abstract: Nerve injury following periapical surgery is an uncommon complication that can result in neurosensory alterations. This altered sensation can vary from complete loss of sensitivity to tingling, numbness, burning or distortion of the sense of touch. The duration of this sensory alteration is undefined and can last for months or even years. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an adjunct treatment modality that has demonstrated the potential to stimulate and heal damaged cells, and improve sensory alterations. Photobiomodulation is a painless, noninvasive, and easily administered treatment, and it is hypothesized to stimulate wound healing, tissue repair, reduction of inflammation, and analgesia. It has been reported that during PBM light penetrates through the tissues reaching the injured nerve segments, stimulating enzymes and protein synthesis, resulting in neural healing. This table clinic presents a case of infraorbital hypoesthesia following endodontic microsurgery that was successfully treated with PBM and demonstrates that photobiomodulation is a viable option to treat nerve related injuries after periapical surgery.