A Comparative Evaluation of Noninstrumentation Endodontic Techniques with Conventional ZOE Pulpectomy in Deciduous Molars: An in vivo Study

ABSTRACT Pulp exposures secondary to caries are the most common in primary teeth due to the relatively large size of pulp chamber. Pulp in primary teeth is capable of healing, following control of infection and inflammation. Pulpotec and LSTR are the simple noninstrumentation endodontic treatment procedures which are capable of compensating for the inconvenience caused by conventional pulpectomy, and thereby preserve the vitality of the pulp. This study was conducted to assess clinical efficacy of pulpotec and LSTR and compare with that of conventional ZOE pulpectomy at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Around 34 children in the age group of 4 to 9 years with deep carious lesions affecting the pulps of 60 primary mandibular molars were randomly divided into three groups with 20 teeth in each group. Results Clinical evaluation was done at 1 month's interval. Both clinical and radiographic evaluations were done at 3, 6 and 12 months. Data obtained was analyzed statistically using Fisher's exact test. The results concluded that pulpotomy and pulpotec could be a good alternative for conventional ZOE pulpectomy. Long-term radiographic evaluations should be undertaken to further strengthen the efficacy of lesion sterilization and tissue repair (LSTR) as NIET.