GentleWave vs Traditional Root Canal Treatment
Dr. Sonia Chopra, DDS, is a tooth saver extraordinaire. She’s a board-certified endodontist, TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, author, and endodontic instructor.
September 14, 2019It’s a fact – root canals can help repair and save teeth that are infected or badly decayed. Many people who need a root canal are afraid of the procedure, mainly because they have heard it can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, a new root canal procedure, known as GentleWave®, can help people get the dental treatment they need comfortably and conveniently.
So which is right for you between GentleWave vs Traditional Root Canal Treatment? Read on to learn more!
Let’s Discuss GentleWave vs Traditional Root Canal Treatment
Root canals have been around a very long time; since the 17th century to be exact. Edwin Maynard created the first root canal instrument from a watch spring. Today, endodontists use advanced versions of these tools, now known as “files,” to access and clean out the pulp within the tooth. After cleaning and disinfecting with a variety of files, dental health professionals fill the tooth with a material that prevents re-infection of the tooth.
While traditional root canals are generally effective and should last a lifetime, it can be difficult to clean all of the infected or decaying material from the cracks and crevices inside a tooth using files. Sometimes teeth do not heal properly, and tooth decay and pain can return even years after treatment. Root canal failure can lead to repeat procedures to support healing and save the tooth.
Traditional root canal has been the most effective approach to repairing and saving infected or decaying teeth, but advancements in endodontics have led to new procedures that do a better job of saving teeth. GentleWave® is one of those systems.
About GentleWave®, the “Better Root Canal”
Many dental professionals refer to GentleWave® as the “better root canal”. This state-of-the-art alternative uses ultra-cleaning technology rather than files to reach into the microscopic spaces to remove debris, bacteria, and tissue.
GentleWave® is better than traditional root canal treatment in a number of ways. The procedure uses fewer files, for example, as endodontists use files only to open a path to the root canal.
Next, the endodontist uses a sterilized single-use GentleWave® instrument that delivers acoustic energy and fluids throughout the root canal, which loosens and rinses away the infected dental pulp and decay.
The innovative combination of fluids and sound waves used in the GentleWave® procedure work together to remove debris from microscopic spaces that standard root canal treatments and tools cannot reach. Cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system in this way reduces the chances of root canal failure and repeat treatments.
Many patients who undergo the GentleWave® procedure describe it as comfortable. This is particularly true for those patients who have previously undergone traditional root canal treatments. GentleWave® is also convenient. In fact, in most cases, patients can complete their treatment in a single session.
For more information on GentleWave®, contact us at Ballantyne Endodontics. Our team of dental health professionals can help you decide if GentleWave® rather than traditional root canal treatment is the right choice for you.