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I case study_ GentleWave Procedure Figs. 2a-d_Radiographs: a) Pre-GentleWave Procedure; b) Post-GentleWave Procedure; c) 12-month recall; and d) 18-month recall. (Images/ Fig. 2a Fig. 2b Provided by Dr. Khang Le) Figs. 3a-d_CBCT: a-b) Post-GentleWave Procedure; and c-d) 12-month recall. Fig. 2c Fig. 2d clean and disinfect the entire root canal system without removing excessive dentin. The canals were subsequently dried with paper points and obturated using a warm vertical compaction technique with gutta-percha and a resin-based sealer. A coronal seal was immediately achieved by restoring the access cavity with composite build-up. Post-operative radiographic analysis revealed the C-shaped anatomy (Fig. 2b). It should be noted that a major cause for endodontic failure is the inability to locate and treat all root canal anatomy.14-15 Without adequate debridement, successful obturation would not be possible. As obturation of the entire root canal system is an indication of success for the endodontic cleaning and debridement process, the ability to clean and then obturate all of the root canal system, as in this case report, is crucial to a successful endo- dontic procedure.16 _Results While post-procedure radiographs show the C-shaped anatomy, the cone-beam computed to- mography (CBCT) images highlight the complex anatomy of the C-shaped canal, the uninstrumented webbing and a periapical lesion that are not visual- ized upon radiography (Figs. 2b, 3a and 3b). Studies report CBCT imaging is more sensitive in detection of periapical lesions than radiography, even in cases diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis.17-19 Clinical, ra- diographic and CBCT analysis was completed at the 12-month recall. The tooth was asymptomatic, and the periapical lesion, previously visible on CBCT, had healed (Figs. 2c, 3c and 3d). A final recall was com- pleted 18 months post-procedure. The patient con- tinued to be asymptomatic, and radiographic assess- ment revealed normal periradicular tissue (Fig 2d). _Discussion The challenge of C-shaped canals is the webbing and ribbon-like structures throughout the root system, creating small areas and recesses for tissue, debris and bacteria to remain.1,20 This case report portrays the Fig. 3a Fig. 3b Fig. 3c Fig. 3d complex anatomy associated within the C-shaped canal, yet the standard root canal therapy protocol that is associated with a high rate of procedural errors was bypassed in favor of the innovative GentleWave Proce- dure.21-24 The case revealed normal periradicular tissue and no clinical signs or symptoms at both the 12- and 18-month recalls. This case report demonstrates the ability of the GentleWave Procedure to clean and disin- fect C-shaped mandibular molars in a single visit while conserving natural tooth structure and decreasing the chance of intra-procedure complications as seen in standard endodontic treatment._ Disclosure: None. A list of references is available from the publisher. _about the author roots Dr. Khang Le earned his doctor of dental surgery degree from the Univer- sity of Colorado School of Dentistry in 1991. He was commissioned as a dental officer in the United States Navy in 1994 and proudly served for 11 years. In 2002, he received a certificate of advanced clinical programs in general dentistry from the Naval Dental Center Southwest, San Diego. He went on to receive his endodontic certification from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California in 2008. He serves as part-time faculty for the Advanced Endo- dontics Program at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California. He is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and the Orange County Dental Society. He may be contacted at Khangle.3588@yahoo.com. 16 I roots 1_ 2017