The GentleWave® Procedure

The GentleWave® Procedure is an alternative to traditional root canal treatment. This groundbreaking procedure uses a combination of broad-spectrum acoustic energy and advanced fluid dynamics, flushing debris and infected tissue from the root canal system.

More traditional root canal treatment involves an attempt to manually flush the root canal system with liquid from a syringe and suction. However, this method does not always reach the smallest parts of the canal, often leaving irritants and toxins behind, which can result in the tooth becoming reinfected, eventually requiring retreatment (See this PDF from the AAE for more information).

Despite the complexity of the root canal system’s curves, which is a challenge for traditional root canal therapy (RCT) using files, the GentleWave®’s vortex of cleansing fluids make their way into the deepest pockets of the canals.

Yes. In fact, using GentleWave® for root canal treatments is more effective than traditional methods. Studies have shown that the GentleWave® device dissolves tissue faster than conventional techniques, and it allows endodontists to clean microscopic spaces that are not reached with other methods. This means procedures have a higher likelihood of success, avoiding the need for a repeat treatment.

Although the details of the procedure are different for each patient, depending on their individual needs, you usually will experience the GentleWave® Procedure toward the end of your endodontic procedure. After a conservative shaping of the root canal system, created with minimal instrumentation, a seal is placed around the tooth. This seal allows the endodontist to place the GentleWave® instrument on the tooth.

As a final step in the cleaning process, this usually takes under 10 minutes. Even though the root canal system is known to be complex, with many curves, the GentleWave®’s Multisonic Ultracleaning® technology lets the cleaning fluids reach even the hardest-to-access nooks and crevices.

Once the procedure is complete, we follow up with our EndOzLase™ protocol, which involves another round of laser therapy, ozone disinfection, and placement of a bioceramic filling (made of mineral-based material). This material flows three-dimensionally to fill all the intricacies inside the tooth.

Root canals performed with the GentleWave® technology are typically faster than conventional ones. While the procedure adds a few minutes to the cleaning process during your visit, traditional root canal treatment often requires two visits – or extensive instrumentation in an attempt to remove all the tissues and bacteria from inside the root.

Usually, the GentleWave® system allows the endodontist to clean and fill the root canal in just one visit, decreasing the overall time a patient spends in the dental chair.

Typically, a root canal using GentleWave® does not require a second appointment, and our patients’ recovery time often is quicker than traditional RCT (root canal therapy). You may feel minor tenderness in the area or soreness in the jaw for a few days, but pain and swelling are very rare events after this advanced process of cleaning the tooth.

During a root canal treatment, the soft tissue within the tooth (called the pulp) that is infected or inflamed is removed. This prevents a worse or recurring infection. To promote healing and avoid reinfection, all the necrotic tissue and pathogenic material must be properly and thoroughly removed – and the tooth must be completely cleaned.

Inadequate cleaning of the root canal could impact whole-body health, as well as the tooth. Scientific literature suggests that root canal infections, which are often due to incomplete cleaning of an infected tooth, can increase inflammation in the body (see resources below). Conventional root canal treatment failure (apical periodontitis) has been linked with broader health issues, such as diabetes, heart attacks, and gut problems.

With this knowledge in mind, our doctors use multisonic irrigation, advanced lasers, and other ultramodern equipment and techniques to provide an integrative and “wholistic” approach to endodontics.