Lesion sterilization and tissue repair in primary molars at the University College Hospital: Case presentations

Abstract

The primary dentition is prone to dental caries, which if not treated early, will involve the dental pulp (both coronal and radicular). Pulpal infection is the most common problem in this set of teeth. Primary teeth serve as the best space maintainer for permanent teeth. As a result of the polymicrobial origin of root canal infections, a combination of antibiotics may be required to address the diverse microbial flora. To utilize the tooth as the natural space maintainer, such tooth can be treated using the Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair (LSTR) procedure. Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair is a technique that allows disinfection of dentinal, pulpal, and periradicular lesions using a combination of antibacterial drugs. This study investigated the LSTR procedure using freshly prepared Triple Antibiotic Paste (Ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin and metronidazole paste) in some pulpally involved primary teeth and found it to be very useful in prolonging the lifespan of these teeth.