Efficacy of a Multisonic System vs. Conventional Therapy in the Disinfection of Molar Retreatment Cases: A Randomized Clinical Trial
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
Post-treatment apical periodontitis is commonly associated with persistent intracanal infection following root canal treatment. Effective disinfection of the complex root canal system during nonsurgical retreatment remains challenging due to anatomical complexities that may harbor microbial biofilms. Conventional retreatment protocols typically involve nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation combined with irrigation using sodium hypochlorite and activation techniques such as Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI). The GentleWave System (GWS) is a minimally invasive irrigation technology designed to enhance tissue dissolution and microbial removal through multisonic energy, advanced fluid dynamics, and negative pressure. Although preliminary studies suggest promising results in root canal disinfection and patient outcomes, high-level clinical evidence comparing GWS with conventional retreatment techniques remains limited, particularly in molar teeth with post-treatment apical periodontitis. This randomized clinical study aims to compare the disinfection efficacy of GWS with a conventional nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation protocol combined with PUI in nonsurgical retreatment of molars with post-treatment apical periodontitis. Intracanal bacterial load will be quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and microbial composition will be analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Residual organic debris will be evaluated using the chairside diagnostic device Endocator and facultative bacterial culturing. Postoperative pain levels will also be recorded to assess short-term clinical outcomes. The results of this study will provide clinical evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness, safety, and potential advantages of advanced irrigation technology for root canal disinfection in complex retreatment cases.
Description
Post-treatment apical periodontitis in root canal-treated teeth is caused by persistent, secondary, or recurrent intra-canal infection. The complex anatomy of the root canal system-including isthmuses, fins, and lateral canals-can limit the effectiveness of conventional instrumentation and irrigation, allowing microbial biofilms to persist. As a result, nonsurgical endodontic retreatment often presents a lower success rate compared with primary root canal treatment. Conventional retreatment protocols typically involve mechanical debridement using nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation combine…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 16+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Molars showing radiographic evidence of post-treatment apical periodontitis: a lesion that exceeds 3 mm in diameter on one or more roots. * Evidence from periapical and CBCT examination suggests that retreatment is a viable option, i.e., there are low risks of vertical root fracture, no major root canal obstruction, evidence of coronal leakage, and potential improvement on the previous treatment. * The initial root canal therapy was performed at least 2 years previously, or more than 1 year if the patient has signs and symptoms or symptomatic disease (pain, swelling, or…
Interventions
- ProcedureGentleWave System
Minimally invasive root canal disinfection using the GentleWave multisonic irrigation system following minimal instrumentation. The system delivers multisonically activated sodium hypochlorite and EDTA solutions under negative pressure to enhance irrigation dynamics and debris removal within the root canal system during nonsurgical endodontic retreatment.
- ProcedureConventional rotary instrumentation with passive ultrasonic irrigation
Conventional nonsurgical endodontic retreatment using nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation followed by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). Irrigation is performed using sodium hypochlorite delivered via a side-vented needle and ultrasonically activated irrigation to enhance canal disinfection after mechanical preparation.
Location
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama