*Corresponding author:
Ioana Codruța Mirică, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Oral Health and Dental Office Management,” Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaReceived: June 26, 2018; Published: August 29, 2018
DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.08.001665
To view the Full Article Peer-reviewed Article PDF
Introduction: Local administration of anesthetics drugs for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) blocking and odontectomy of the inferior third molar could be associated with complications such as hypoesthesia in the territory innervated by the IAN. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible cause of hypoesthesia occurred at the distal terminal branches of the inferior alveolar nerve, which are distant from the site of intervention. Moreover, the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was assessed as therapeutic approach for this type of IAN injury.
Materials and Methods: A 28-year-old patient underwent wisdom tooth odontectomy, under local anesthesia, with Articaine 4%. The surgery took place without complications, but 7 days later, the patient complained about the sensation impairment in the distal territory of the IAN. The condition was evaluated with the visual analogue scale (VAS) and treated with B group vitamins for the neurotrophic effect and LLLT.
Results: After 10 LLLT sessions, the condition improved, with 99% recovery of the sensitivity. This case report suggested that LLLT could be effective in the sensation impairment of IAN induced by the local administration of anesthetic substances in large amount and high concentration, associated with a vasoconstrictor.
Conclusion: Regardless of the cause of hypoesthesia (neurotoxicity of the anesthetic drug, vasoconstrictor effect or minimal local surgical trauma), restitutio ad integrum can be obtained using LLLT.
Abbreviation: IAN: Inferior Alveolar Nerve; LA- local Anesthetic; LLLT- Low Level Laser Therapy
Abstract | Introduction | Case Report | Results | Discussion | Conclusion | References |