Rüveyda Nur CULFA YURTDAKAL
Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine - 2026;17(6):641-647
Aim: Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair (LSTR) is a biologically based, minimally invasive therapy for managing non-vital primary teeth through root canal disinfection with antibiotics. This review aims to evaluate current evidence on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of LSTR compared with conventional pulpectomy and to identify factors influencing its success. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies evaluating the outcomes of LSTR therapy in non-vital primary teeth. Studies reporting clinical and/or radiographic success outcomes with a minimum follow-up of one month were included, and the findings were qualitatively synthesized. Results: Evidence indicates that LSTR achieves high short- to medium-term clinical success rates, comparable to pulpectomy. However, radiographic outcomes are less predictable and tend to decline over time. Variability in success appears related to differences in antibiotic formulations, carrier materials, and study protocols. Recent approaches using bioceramic carriers show potential for enhancing long-term healing and treatment consistency. Conclusion: LSTR offers a promising, biologically favorable, and less invasive alternative to pulpectomy for non-vital primary teeth. However, heterogeneity among studies and limited long-term data emphasize the need for standardized protocols and extended follow-up. LSTR provides pediatric dentists with an effective and time-efficient option that preserves tooth structure and reduces patient discomfort. Incorporating advanced biomaterials may improve treatment predictability, supporting evidence-based decision-making in pediatric endodontics.
