Postoperative Pain after Treatment Using the GentleWave System: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Technology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Root canal cleaning and shaping are crucial for effective irrigant delivery.
• Conventional endodontic irrigation uses needles and sonic activation.
• The GentleWave System (GWS) integrates irrigant delivery with multisonic activation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence and intensity of postoperative pain between the GentleWave System and standard endodontic treatment.
• To evaluate the efficacy of GWS in reducing endodontic pain.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial was conducted with two groups: standard treatment and GWS.
• Patients recorded pain levels using a numeric rating scale at baseline and 6, 24, 72, and 168 hours post-treatment.
• Blinding of participants to their assigned treatment group was maintained.

Main Results:

• Postoperative pain occurred in 72.2% of the standard group and 83.3% of the GWS group.
• Peak pain intensity was observed at 6 hours post-treatment for both groups.
• A statistically significant decrease in pain over time was noted in both treatment groups (P < 1.237e-7).

Conclusions:

• No significant difference in postoperative pain incidence or intensity was found between GWS and standard endodontic treatment.
• Both treatment modalities demonstrated a significant reduction in pain over the observation period.
• Further research may explore long-term pain outcomes and patient-reported satisfaction.