(PO69) Comparison of Patient and Provider Outcomes Between GentleWave® and Biolase®: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate patient and operator-centered outcomes of root canal treatment (RCT) using the GentleWave^® system (GWS) (Sonendo, Inc., CA), Waterlase iPlus^® (WL) (Biolase, Inc., CA), or a control group utilizing passive ultrasonic instrumentation (PUI) (IrriSafe™, Acteon, Aquitaine, FR). Following ethical approval (IRB #21-2960), 120 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, including pre-operative apical radiolucency, were consented to the study and randomly allocated to either the GWS, WL, or PUI group. Pre-operative pain level was recorded. Following root canal preparation, the allocated disinfection approach was used prior to RCT completion. Patients were sent electronic surveys to record: 1) pain during and following treatment; and 2) perception of the technology used. Operators (n=6) were surveyed on their preference for GWS, WL, or PUI. Electronic surveys (n=109) showed patients perceived their treatment was improved through the use of WL and PUI. The mean reduction in pre-operative pain following treatment with GWS, PUI, or WL was 18.0%, 32.2%, and 58.5%, respectively. However, there is no significant difference among the different modalities concerning changes in pain levels (p > .05, one-way ANOVA). Provider surveys (n=120) indicated providers felt comfortable using PUI and WL but less so with GWS. Providers reported all three technologies improved their treatment quality. This study provided important patient and operator outcomes for evaluating technologies for RCT. Patients and providers were more accepting of PUI and WL compared to GWS. WL showed the greatest reduction in post-operative pain.