Evaluation of the efficacy of intramuscular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in paresthesia developing after dentoalveolar surgery in the mandible

Introduction: Paresthesia may develop as a result of dentoalveolar surgery in the mandible. This study aimed to assess the effect of intramuscular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on paresthesia, a complication induced by dentoalveolar surgery in the mandible. Material and Methods: A total of 33 patients who developed paresthesia due to dentoalveolar surgery in the mandible and still had the paresthesia after the one-month spontaneous recovery process were included in the study. Firstly, the surgical data of the patients was recorded. Patients were enrolled for 5 weeks of intramuscular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation intervention once a week. After the patients' consent was obtained topographic area affected by the paresthesia was assessed via sensory examination before approval and once a week, and any change was recorded as milimeter square. Whether or not sensorial impairment induced sensory deficit and intramuscular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may cause changes in motor function was assessed by mouth opening range of motion measurement. The effect of intramuscular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation intervention on localized pain in masticatory muscle was assessed with patient oriented questionnaire as yes or no answers. Data analysis was performed via SPSS 25.0 program and R 4.1.1 statistical software. Results: Significant reduction was observed in the paresthetic area and perceived pain localized in masticatory muscles of the patients (p<0.05). In addition, a significant increase was observed in the mouth opening range of motion of the patients (p<0.05) Conclusions: Although our study showed that intramuscular transcutaneous electrical stimulation intervention is an effective intervention for paresthesis treatment induced by dentoalveolar surgery in mandible, considering the few studies exist related to this area, further studies are needed.