Photobiomodulation Therapy for Facial Nerve Repair: Systematic   Review

Nima  Dehghani; Mohadeseh  Azarsina; Hanie  Firoozi

doi:10.18502/jcr.v13i1.21474

Nima Dehghani Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohadeseh Azarsina Department of Esthetic and Restorative, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Hanie Firoozi General Dentist, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jcr.v13i1.21474

Keywords: Photobiomodulation therapy; Low-level laser light therapy; Complication; Trauma; Facial nerve injuries.

Abstract

Introduction: Microsurgery interventions for direct nerve repair often lead to serious complications and limited success. Non-surgical methods, although somewhat effective, have limited benefits. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising approach based on clinical and laboratory studies. The photobiomodulation may accelerate and improve nerve regeneration. This review explores various methodologies used in photobiomodulation for regenerating nerve sensitivity after surgical trauma involving nerve structures in the oral and perioral region.

Materials and Methods: Articles available in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases with similar topics over the 20-year period from 2005 to 2025 were selected and reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles were retrieved by searching for the keywords photobiomodulation, facial nerves and facial nerve injury.

Results: Seven studies related to Photobiomodulation treatment with 810 nm diode laser on facial nerves were selected and reviewed. Of the seven studies reviewed, 2 in 2022, 1 in 2021, 3 in 2017, and 1 in 2014.

Conclusion: Light modulation at 810 nm has a significant, rapid effect on improving visual analog scale (VAS) scores for general sensory perception and thermal discrimination. Notably, the use of photobiomodulation shows the possibility of accelerating the recovery of these sensory functions.