Use of the gentlewave system in endodonticsUse of the gentlewave system in endodontics

Aim: The objectives of this scoping review are to map the evidence available in the literature on using the GentleWave System (GWS) in endodontic treatments and to identify knowledge gaps. Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. We included randomized and non-randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, case series and cross-sectional studies that evaluated or reported using the GWS. In vitro studies assessing the GWS versus a control group were included. Studies were independently selected by two researchers based on eligibility criteria. Two reviewers each extracted data from half of the included studies. The following data were extracted: study design, purpose, number of study groups, sample size and sample type, analyzed outcome, outcome measurement and main results. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included. In vitro studies were the most frequent study design (85.2%). Of these studies, 13 evaluated root canal disinfection. The general results demonstrated that the GWS produces results superior to the observed comparison groups. Only four studies were conducted in humans (13.8%): three prospective clinical studies and one randomized clinical trial. However, the results of these studies seem to demonstrate that the GWS is a promising treatment. Conclusion: Available evidence demonstrates that knowledge about GWS is still very limited. Although most of the studies in our review demonstrated that the GWS performed better than or similar to other observed systems, caution should be exercised regarding its clinical recommendation, as evidence of its superiority comes only from in vitro studies.