Dr. David Kelliny says that the GentleWave Procedure has several advantages over traditional root canal treatment. Read about what they are in his article!
![](https://endopracticeus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/800x400_Kelliny.jpg)
Dr. David Kelliny shares his experience with the GentleWave® System
“I love my GentleWave® System.” That’s how I answer and start a conversation with anyone who asks me about the GentleWave Procedure. I have been a user and a believer for 5 years. The GentleWave Procedure is an advanced endodontic treatment that utilizes a combination of different technologies to improve the success rate of root canal treatment. This procedure is a minimally invasive technique that uses a combination of sound waves and fluid dynamics to create a powerful vortex that cleans and disinfects the root canal system.
The traditional method of root canal treatment involves the use of rotary and hand files and irrigation solutions to clean and shape the root canal system. While this method has been reasonably effective for many years, it has its limitations. One of the main challenges is the presence of complex anatomical structures within the root canal system that are difficult to access and clean thoroughly. These structures can serve as a haven for bacteria and other microorganisms, leading to treatment failure.
The GentleWave Procedure, on the other hand, overcomes these limitations and improves the outcomes of root canal treatment. The specially designed Procedure Instrument (PI) creates acoustic energy in the irrigation solution. The acoustic waves and fluid agitation used in the procedure can reach areas that are difficult to access with traditional instrumentation, facilitating the removal of bacteria and debris from the tooth. This helps to reduce the risk of reinfection and improves the overall success rate of the treatment.
One of the major benefits of the GentleWave Procedure is that it can significantly reduce the time required for root canal treatment. Because the procedure is more efficient than traditional methods, it can often be completed in a single visit, saving patient’s time, and reducing the need for multiple appointments. Additionally, the GentleWave Procedure is less invasive than traditional methods, which can help to reduce doctor discomfort and speed up the healing process. In fact, research shows 97.7% of patients experience healing within 12-months.1
The GentleWave Procedure has several advantages over traditional root canal treatment. First, it is a minimally invasive technique that preserves more tooth structure, reducing the risk of tooth fracture and improving the long-term prognosis of the tooth. Second, it is a more efficient method of disinfection, enabling thorough cleaning of even complex anatomical structures within the root canal system. Third, it reduces the risk of treatment failure and the need for retreatment. Studies have shown that the procedure is effective at removing bacteria and debris from the root canal system, which can significantly improve the success rate of root canal treatment.
Let’s examine a case of a 58-year-old male who presented to my office in pain. He was referred as an emergency for consultation and treatment on either tooth No. 18 or 19. The patient presented with pain that had been on and off for over a month. The patient’s chief complaint was pain to cold and hot that lingered and now was spontaneous. On examination, tooth No. 19 responded to pulp testing within normal limits and was negative to percussion. Tooth No. 18 had a lingering sensitivity to cold, and a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis was made.
As you can see from final radiographs, the GentleWave Procedure’s ability to clean out and clear all portals of exit is on clear display here. I would not have had a similar outcome if I did not use the GentleWave Procedure.
In conclusion, the GentleWave Procedure is an advanced and highly effective method for cleaning the root canal system during endodontic treatment. The procedure offers numerous benefits, including that it reduces treatment time, is less invasive, and has a high success rate. As such, the GentleWave Procedure represents a significant advancement in the field of endodontics and offers a promising treatment option for patients.
Review additional clinical studies and practice case studies at GentleWave.com/Doctor.
GentleWave® is a trademark of Sonendo, Inc.
Read more about GentleWave in Dr. Scott Hetz’s article, “Healing and long-term results with the GentleWave® Procedure.” https://endopracticeus.com/healing-and-long-term-results-with-the-gentlewave-procedure/
- Sigurdsson A, Garland RW, Le KT, Woo SM. 12-month Healing Rates after Endodontic Therapy Using the Novel GentleWave System: A Prospective Multicenter Clinical Study. J Endod. 2016 Jul;42(7):1040-8.
Stay Relevant With Endodontic Practice US
Join our email list for CE courses and webinars, articles and more..