Outcomes of the GentleWave system on root canal treatment: a narrative review

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the outcomes of the GentleWave system (GW) (Sonendo) on root canal treatment. Published articles were collected from scientific databases (MEDLINE/PubMed platform, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Embase). A total of 24 studies were collected from August/2014 to July/2021, 20 in vitro and 4 clinical. GW System was not associated with extrusion of the irrigant, promoted faster organic dissolution than conventional syringe irrigation (CSI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) continuous ultrasonic irrigation (CUI) and EndoVac, reduced more bacterial DNA and biofilm than PUI and CUI, promoted higher penetration of sodium hypochlorite into dentinal tubules than PUI and CUI in vitro, and removed more intracanal medication than CSI and PUI. GW was able to remove pulp tissue and calcifications. Moreover, its ability to remove hard-tissue debris and smear layer was better than that of CSI, and its ability to remove root canal obturation residues was lower or similar to that of PUI, and similar to that of CSI and EndoVac. Regarding root canal obturation of minimally instrumented molar canals, GW was associated with high-quality obturation. Clinically, the success rate of endodontic treatment using GW was 97.3%, and the short-term postoperative pain in the GW group was not different from CSI. Further research, mainly clinical, is needed to establish whether GW has any advantages over other available irrigation methods.