Clinical and Radiographic Success of Calcium Hydroxide-Iodoform Paste Versus Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste for Necrotic Primary Molars in Children

Necrotic primary teeth may present a clinical challenge in pediatric dentistry, particularly when the tooth is restorable and preservation of the primary tooth is desirable until its normal exfoliation. Infection of the root canal system may be associated with clinical and radiographic signs of periapical or furcation involvement. Conventional pulpectomy can be effective in the management of necrotic primary teeth; however, it may be technically demanding in young children because of the complex anatomy of primary molars, limited cooperation, and difficulties associated with instrumentation and obturation.

Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair (LSTR) is a minimally invasive approach that aims to control infection within the root canal system through the local application of antimicrobial agents, with minimal or no mechanical instrumentation of the canals. The rationale of LSTR is based on the polymicrobial nature of endodontic infection and the ability of antimicrobial materials to reduce or eliminate microorganisms within the infected root canal system. Following reduction of the microbial load, healing of the affected periradicular tissues may occur.

Calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste is an antimicrobial root canal filling material that combines the antibacterial properties of calcium hydroxide with the radiopacity and antimicrobial properties of iodoform. It has been widely used in primary tooth endodontic treatment because of its antimicrobial activity, radiopacity, and resorbability characteristics. Modified triple antibiotic paste is another antimicrobial approach consisting of a combination of antibiotics intended to provide activity against a broad range of microorganisms associated with endodontic infections.

The present study is designed as a randomized clinical trial to compare these two antimicrobial materials when used as part of the LSTR technique for the management of necrotic primary molars. The study will evaluate whether the use of calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste provides clinical and radiographic outcomes comparable to or different from those achieved with modified triple antibiotic paste.

Eligible participants will undergo clinical and radiographic assessment before treatment. Following confirmation of eligibility, participants will be randomly allocated to one of the two treatment groups. The first group will receive LSTR treatment using calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste, while the second group will receive LSTR treatment using modified triple antibiotic paste. Clinical and radiographic assessments will subsequently be performed during the predefined follow-up period.

The primary purpose of the study is to determine and compare the clinical and radiographic success of the two treatment approaches over the follow-up period. Clinical assessment will focus on the presence or absence of signs and symptoms associated with the treated tooth, while radiographic assessment will evaluate the status of the periradicular and furcation tissues and any changes in the pre-existing radiographic findings.

The study is intended to provide clinical evidence regarding the use of calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste as an alternative antimicrobial material for LSTR treatment of necrotic primary molars. The findings may contribute to the evidence base regarding minimally invasive treatment approaches for infected primary teeth and may help inform clinical decision-making in pediatric dentistry.