Is the pharmacological treatment associated with low-level laser therapy effective in neurosensorial recovery after BSSO? A randomized clinical trial

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy may cause injury to the inferior alveolar nerve resulting in neurosensory abnormality. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and pharmacological therapy (PT) consisting of the administration of vitamin B12 and nucleotides are options for the treatment of this complication. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of isolated PT therapy and its combination with LLLT in sensorineural recovery after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Twenty-four patients were divided into two groups and subdivided according to the face side: Group 1: No PT (G1A- No LLLT e G1B - LLLT); Group 2: PT (G2A- No LLLT e G2B - LLLT). Each patient received 5 LLLT/control sessions with intervals of three to four weeks between the sessions. The G1A and G2A received placebo LLLT therapy. The neurosensorial response was analyzed before the first session and after each subsequent session using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. The session numbers directly influenced the patient response. Better results were achieved on the fifth session in the pharmacological therapy alone and pharmacological therapy associated with LLLT. Patients treated using PT alone showed improved sensibility from the third session. Pharmacological therapy associated or not with LLLT was effective in sensorineural disorders recovery.