Indirect pulp treatment vs antibiotic sterilization of deep caries in mandibular primary molars

BackgroundCalcium hydroxide indirect pulp treatment (CH-IPT) and antibiotic sterilization using a mixture of three antibiotics (3Mix-MP) of deep caries are similar non-invasive vital pulp treatments. No studies have compared their clinical and radiographic success rates in primary molars. AimTo compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of CH-IPT and 3Mix-MP in carious lesions approaching the pulp of mandibular primary molars. DesignEighty-two mandibular primary molars from 50 children, aged 3-8years, with carious lesions approaching the pulp, and meeting the inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned for either treatment. After treatment, blinded clinical/radiographic evaluation was performed at 6-11 and 12-29month recalls. ResultsAt 6-11months, the overall success rates of CH-IPT and 3Mix-MP were 82% and 81% (P=0.91), respectively. At 12-29months, the success rates were 94% and 78% (P=0.08), respectively. The most frequently observed failure at the 12-29month recall was internal resorption (one CH-IPT tooth and three 3Mix-MP teeth). ConclusionThere was no statistically significant difference in overall success rates between CH-IPT and 3Mix-MP in treating deep caries approaching the pulp in mandibular primary molars at either 6-11month or 12-29month follow-up.