The GentleWave® Difference isn’t just in the patient experience—it is proven in post-procedure radiographic examination. The far-reaching capabilities of the GentleWave Procedure can be visualized in the following case study gallery, evidencing its ability to locate and efficiently clean the deepest, most complex portions of the root canal system2,3 that are frequently left untouched by standard root canal therapy.4
4 Paqué F et al. (2010) J Endod. 36:703-7
This patient’s first molar, diagnosed with necrotic pulp with symptomatic apical periodontitis, was cleaned and disinfected with the GentleWave® Procedure in a single visit. Post-GentleWave Procedure, intricate apical anatomy with at least eight visible portals of exit was revealed.
The GentleWave Procedure successfully treated acute apical periodontitis associated with silver points, which led to rapid osseous recovery and periradicular healing.
This case is a beautiful example of the power of the GentleWave® Procedure with conservative instrumentation. Using VTaper 2H files to retain as much cervical root structure as possible, the Multisonic Ultracleaning® energy of the GentleWave Procedure allowed us to accomplish our goals for maximum cleaning and disinfection. Notice the secondary anatomy — areas clearly cleaned by the GentleWave® System — where I never introduced a file.
A patient presented to our office with a complaint of swelling in the area of tooth #15. A sinus tract had been present for about one month. Upon examination, the tooth was diagnosed as necrotic pulp with chronic apical abscess. In a single visit, I was able to thoroughly clean and disinfect the tooth with the GentleWave® Procedure. The tooth was obturated using AH Plus® Sealer and warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha.
"The cleaning ability of the GentleWave® Procedure allowed me to effectively clean exquisite anatomy and provide a result that I was unable to attain previously via traditional methods."
In a single visit, canals were prepared using two rotary files to a final apical diameter of #20, then followed by the Gentlewave® Procedure. After obturation, radiographic examination revealed at least two uninstrumented inter-canal isthmi and a lateral canal. At the 6-month recall, radiographs revealed that the GentleWave® Procedure resulted in complete healing of apical periodontitis.
A female patient presented with tooth sensitivity and pain on biting on tooth #31. In 2003, the patient had two apicoectomies completed on tooth #30 and #31. Tooth #30 had a retrograde prep and fill placed that was still intact. Tooth #31 did not receive a retrograde fill; the mesiobuccal root was resected with a high bevel, and the mesiolingual was never fully resected through. Tooth #31 was diagnosed with symptomatic apical periodontitis. In a single visit, the GentleWave® Procedure cleaned and disinfected the tooth. At the six-month recall, radiographs revealed healing of the bone. The patient reported experiencing no post-op pain immediately following the procedure or in the six months since.
"If I could go back in time, I would elect to have the GentleWave® Procedure completed on my first root canal procedure. For 21 years, I continued to experience discomfort while professionals justified my discomfort through bite adjustments and new crowns, saying that another tooth was to blame. I truly felt this would be a never-ending problem I’d have to deal with. For the first time in 21 years, I feel whole and am no longer experiencing discomfort."
