Pulp therapy of primary molars using lesion sterilization tissue repair and traditional endodontic treatment

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic success of lesion sterilization and tissue repair (LSTR) therapy and traditional endodontic treatment for pulp therapy of primary molars over a period of 6 months. Materials and Methods: Fifty primary mandibular molars from children aged 3–8 years in need of pulp therapy presenting with signs of irreversible pulpitis and those meeting our inclusion criteria were selected for the study. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 individuals received intervention by LSTR therapy and Group 2 individuals were treated with the principles of traditional pulpectomy procedures using a mixture of zinc oxide (ZnO) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as the obturating material. Patients were reviewed clinically and radiographically at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: At the end of 1 and 3 months, both the study groups were comparable in their overall success rates. At 6 months, the clinical success was comparable between the two study groups. Radiographic success rate of the two study groups achieved statistically significant difference, with Group 2 faring better than Group 1. Conclusion: Primary mandibular molars showing signs of irreversible pulpitis, particularly those which were destined to have a poor prognosis, were successfully treated in Group 1 using LSTR and in Group 2 with traditional endodontics using a mixture of Ca(OH)2and ZnO as obturating material.