A History of Proven Efficacy

The patient presented with dull, aching pain on the upper right side of her mouth. Tooth #5 wasn’t responsive to cold and had sensitivity to percussion. A CBCT scan revealed periapical pathology. In a single visit and with conservative preparation, the GentleWave^® Procedure cleaned and disinfected the root canal system. Post-op images revealed complex anatomy, including lateral canals corresponding with the pathology seen on the CBCT scan.

“Before adopting the GentleWave^® Procedure, I often wouldn’t see lateral canals; this case makes me feel good in knowing that I cleaned all the complexities of the root canal system.”

Upon post-operative radiographic examination, multiple lateral canals within the apical third of the palatal and distobuccal canals as well as an isthmus between the mesiobuccal canals were visualized. Upon contact with the patient three days post-operative, the patient reported no discomfort.

Seeing is believing with the GentleWave® System. Within the first week, I have already seen great results highlighted by finding undetected anatomy and receiving reports of minimal post-op pain. This particular patient was diagnosed with apical periodontitis, and three distinct canals were instrumented to a 20/.04 on tooth #19. The GentleWave Procedure revealed mid-mesial anatomy within two minutes of procedure start. The following day, the patient reported alleviation of all symptoms and the absence of post-operative pain. 

The GentleWave Procedure, at least in my practice, seems to be producing significantly less post-op pain compared to traditional measures, even with retreatments.

In a single visit, three canals were prepared to an apical diameter of 20/04, followed by the GentleWave^® Procedure to clean and disinfect the canals. Following obturation, an isthmus communication between the fused mesiobuccal and palatal roots was noted. The unusual PAX findings were evaluated by CBCT. An apical delta containing multiple exits was discovered in the palatal canal. The GentleWave Procedure cleaned a deep split isthmus between the mesiobuccal canal and palatal canal, which otherwise may have been left uncleaned and unfilled.

"Obturation revealed the GentleWave^® Procedure debrided a mid-root and apical isthmus as well as multiple exits in the palatal canal, in the apical third of the mesiobuccal-palatal root formation and connections."

The patient reported no pain two days postoperatively (after reporting a preoperative pain level of 8 on an 11-point verbal pain scale). This case highlights the clinical significance of utilizing the GentleWave Procedure for cleaning complex apical anatomy during endodontic therapy.

A 61-year-old male was referred by his dentist for endodontic examination of tooth #4. The diagnosis was necrotic pulp and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. The tooth was accessed and instrumented to size 17/.06. The GentleWave^® Procedure was used to clean and disinfect the root canal system and was followed by obturation with warm vertical condensation. Given the file’s inability to completely remove bacteria and biofilm, many clinicians feel that a two-visit approach to root canal therapy is prudent, especially in necrotic teeth. The GentleWave System’s ability to reach deep into dentinal tubules and other complex anatomy allows for the confidence to treat patients with a one-visit procedure.

A patient presented with pain to biting on the lower right. The PA showed periapical pathology on tooth #30. During examination, the tooth tested positive to percussion, negative to palpation and did not respond to cold (Endo-Ice^®). According to the patient, the crown was placed less than one year ago. Diagnosis was confirmed as necrotic pulp with symptomatic periapical periodontitis.

In a single visit, the GentleWave^® Procedure thoroughly cleaned the canals and provided visible evidence that the very intricate accessory anatomy of the canal system was cleaned and obturated.

“In my experience, traditional RCT treatment wouldn’t have come close to this result.”