(PO139) 'Insights from Endodontists: A Survey-Based Exploration of Gentle Wave® Technology in Root Canal Treatments'

Abstract: In 2014, Gentle Wave^® (GW) came to the market as a negative pressure closed system to provide multi-sonic irrigation. The purpose of this study was to survey AAE members about their experience using Gentle Wave. A 26-question survey was designed to evaluate the experiences of GW users in terms of clinical experience, case selection, complications, and future use. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared (χ²) were used for analysis. The level of significance was set at p < .05. Sixty-nine respondents consented to participate. Fifty-four met the inclusion criteria. 44.23% have been using GW for 4+ years, 51.92% have completed more than 1,000 cases. 63.46% reported they do one-visit appointments. 79% reported that they only had to retreat 1% to 25% of their cases after using GW. 68% reported decreased flare-up rates after treatment with GW. 61.22% reported using GW for cases with separated instruments. 57% stated using GW on calcified canals, 93.88% agreed GW treats complex anatomy in the apical third. 89.8% reported higher bleeding within the canal following an 8-minute cycle of GW. 51.06% reported cost as being the biggest challenge in using GW. 56.25% said their success rate increased with GW. Overall, 95.2% of endodontists who have been practicing for 20+ years expressed they would continue using GW in the future. The notable advantage of GW is the ability to negotiate cases with complex apical anatomy.