Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 95

Effect of different root canal procedures on bacteria in infected teeth

Official title: Bacterial Reduction After Supplementary Disinfection Procedures in Infected Root Canals

Run by University of Iowa · NCT06569329 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing three different root canal treatments to see which one is best at reducing bacteria in infected teeth.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Iowa
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 20, 2024
Main results expectedAugust 2028
Study endsAugust 2028
Registry record updatedSeptember 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT06569329 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with teeth diagnosed with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis.

Probably not a fit

Patients with vital pulp, incomplete root formation, or other specified dental conditions will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of three distinct root canal procedures on bacterial levels in teeth diagnosed with dental pulp necrosis. A total of 90 adult participants will be recruited, with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the selection of appropriate cases. The interventions include the GentleWave System, EdgePro Laser Therapy, and ProUltra Piezo Ultrasonic Therapy, with bacterial samples collected under aseptic conditions to assess the effectiveness of each method in reducing infection.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved root canal treatment outcomes by identifying the most effective disinfection procedures for infected teeth.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on root canal procedures, this specific comparison of three different disinfection methods is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of pulp necrosis with apical periodontitis (AP) confirmed by pulp tests, clinical and radiographic evidence.
* Tooth with no response to cold and electric pulp testing (done at screening).
* Single canalled premolars with intact pulp chamber walls.
* Patient must be 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Teeth with vital pulp.
* Teeth with incomplete root formation (immature with apical periodontitis).
* Teeth with extensive crown destruction.
* Teeth with previous endodontic treatment or intervention (pulp debridement).
* Teeth with acute/ chronic apical abscess.
* Teeth with internal or external resorption.
* Teeth with non-odontogenic facial pain.
* Teeth with periodontal pockets deeper than 4 mm.
* Teeth with advanced untreated periodontal disease or recent periodontal surgery.
* Teeth with mobility score greater than 2.
* Teeth with a fracture or visible crack.
* Patients with diabetes or immune compromised conditions.
* Patients who received systemic antibiotics within the last 3 months.
* Patients taking corticosteroids.
* Patients who are pregnant.

Where it's running

  • University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics
    Iowa City, Iowa, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.