Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair in Nonvital Primary Teeth: An In vivo Study

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of endodontic treatment of nonvital primary teeth using lesion sterilization and tissue repair (LSTR) therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample size of 40 primary molars from 34 children of 3–10 years of age were selected for the study. Nonvital primary molars were treated using LSTR technique with a combination of antibacterial drugs comprising ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and doxycycline with propylene glycol as vehicle. The procedure was completed in a single appointment. Only analgesics were prescribed postoperatively. Postoperative evaluation was done after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Clinical signs and symptoms got resolved in the 1(st)-month follow-up itself and continued in the subsequent visits. Radiographic evaluation showed a gradual improvement in success rates through the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: LSTR technique can be considered as an alternative treatment option for nonvital primary teeth avoiding a course of systemic antibiotics to the children. Doxycycline can be used in the drug combination instead of minocycline which also gives higher clinical and radiographic success.