The GentleWave procedure
GentleWave uses a steady flow of cleaning fluid and a wide range of sound waves to clean the entire root canal system, including tiny branches that instruments cannot reach. For many teeth it means a thorough, comfortable treatment completed in one visit.
Why cleaning matters
Root canals are not simple tubes. Most teeth have curves, fins and tiny side branches where bacteria can hide. The more completely those spaces are cleaned, the better the chance the tooth heals and stays healthy.
How GentleWave works
After the tooth is numbed and opened, a small handpiece rests on top of the tooth. It circulates treatment fluids through the whole canal system while delivering sound waves across a broad range of frequencies at the same time, rather than the single frequency of conventional ultrasonic cleaning. The fluid and sound energy reach into spaces files cannot, including the porous inner surfaces of the canal walls, loosening and flushing out tissue, bacteria and debris. Because files do less of the work, less of the tooth’s own structure is removed. The canals are then filled and sealed, and the tooth is closed with a permanent filling.
What the research shows
- Thorough cleaning. Laboratory studies consistently show GentleWave removes bacterial biofilm, debris and old filling material from the canal system, while keeping pressure at the root tip low and preserving tooth structure. In an extracted-tooth study, it removed significantly more tissue from the hard-to-reach canals of molars than standard instruments and irrigation.
- Strong healing. In a multicenter clinical study, 97% of molars treated with GentleWave were healed or healing one year later. In a second multicenter study of teeth that had infection at the root tip, 97.7% were healed or healing at one year, and no patient reported moderate or severe pain at two, seven or fourteen days.
- A comfortable recovery. In the first study, fewer than 4% of patients had moderate discomfort in the first two days, and none reported pain at two weeks.
- Often one visit. Many teeth are cleaned and sealed in a single appointment.
We are a GentleWave authorized practice. Ask about it when you call, or at your consultation.
More information
The company that makes the GentleWave system explains the procedure for patients at gentlewave.com.
Insurance and fees
In network with most dental PPO plans. We check your benefits and tell you what to expect before treatment. How payment works
Sources4 references
- Sigurdsson A et al. 12-month healing rates after endodontic therapy using the novel GentleWave System. Journal of Endodontics, 2016.
- Sigurdsson A et al. Healing of periapical lesions after endodontic treatment with the GentleWave procedure, a prospective multicenter clinical study. Journal of Endodontics, 2018.
- Molina B et al. Evaluation of root canal debridement of human molars using the GentleWave System. Journal of Endodontics, 2015.
- de Araújo LP et al. Clinical and laboratory insights into the GentleWave System, a scoping review. Journal of Endodontics, 2026.
What patients say
Jackie WSeptember 2024 I had a great experience at Gentle Endodontics. They were able to get me in the same day due to a cancellation. Within minutes, they already had contacted my insurance got an estimate and emailed me my paperwork to fill out. The 3D x-ray was very helpful in figuring out where are my tooth pain was coming from. I was able to get a root canal the very next day. They use GentleWave for the root canal which is the absolute best way to have a root canal. The office staff is friendly and efficient. The dentist is amazing, it truly is Gentle Endodontics. I am thankful to have met Dr. El-Refai and her staff. I highly recommend this practice!
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Relief starts with a call
Call or text, and we will find the soonest time that works. If you are in pain, tell us when you call, and we will do everything we can to see you the same day.