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
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 65-year-old female with no clinical symptoms was referred by her dentist, who noticed radiographic signs of bone loss surrounding the roots of her molar. In a single visit, the canals were cleaned and disinfected with the GentleWave Procedure. Eight weeks later, the periodontal reading at the distobuccal root surface measured 2 mm, and periapical imaging revealed extensive bone regeneration. Continued bone regeneration was evident at 3-month, 5-month and 13-month recalls.
Upon clinical examination, the mandibular left second premolar (#20) revealed an asymptomatic tooth with no sensitivity to percussion or palpation and Class I mobility. Post GentleWave® Procedure, at nine-month recall, clinical evaluation showed the tooth was asymptomatic. Radiographic evaluation showed complete bone regrowth and periradicular healing.
A mandibular right second molar with a large carious lesion invading the pulpal space was treated with the GentleWave® System. The entire root canal system including the lateral canal was cleaned and obturated.
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 41-year-old female patient was referred by her general dentist for evaluation for retreatment of tooth #14. The patient presented with mild swelling of the facial gingival tissues adjacent to #14, and a sinus tract was present. Periodontal probing was within normal limits.
The initial treatment of the tooth 20 years ago missed the mesiopalatal (MB2) canal, causing significant periradicular bone loss. It was remarkable to see the significant bone regeneration at the 4-month recall.
"The GentleWave® Procedure allowed me to perform a retreatment in a single visit, with no reported postoperative discomfort. Especially in today’s environment, single visit appointments are ideal for patients and our practice while having confidence in the clinical outcome."
