Sublingual B12 raises blood numbers. It has never been shown to protect a single nerve. There is no reason to think it prevents permanent nerve damage.
Small Fiber Neuropathy in Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is known for damaging the spinal cord, but B12 deficiency can also injure small nerve fibers, causing burning, tingling, and nighttime itch that standard nerve testing won’t catch.