Internal Teeth Bleaching
You hear the term “internal bleaching,” and you may think of teeth whitening; however, these are two separate procedures. Internal bleaching involves the interior portion of the tooth after the nerve or infection has been removed from the tooth pulp with a root canal.
Empire Dental Speciality Group performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine why the teeth have become discolored and whether internal bleaching is an option.
Why Do Teeth Become Discolored?
Root canal treatment is one of the most common reasons teeth become discolored. This procedure removes the interior portion of the tooth, called the pulp. Trauma is the second most common reason, damaging blood vessels and nerves essential to maintaining a healthy tooth.
Topical whiteners and over the counter products can reduce discoloration, but depending on the severity, internal teeth bleaching is the best way to address significant discoloration. The bleaching solution can reach the tooth’s interior layers to remove stains from the inside out, which can improve your confidence.
Internal Bleaching Procedure
At Empire Dental Speciality Group, we’ll take an x-ray to determine the cause and degree of discoloration. When the tooth is damaged or diseased, root canal treatment will be completed, and a whitening paste will be applied.
Teeth previously treated by a root canal can also receive internal bleaching. This can be done when the endodontist creates a small opening in the back of the tooth, giving them access to apply the paste. They will remove the stain and fill the hole after completing the treatment.
Once the whitening paste is inside your tooth, it will be monitored as the color improves. When it has reached the desired shade, the paste will be removed. It can take several days to see a noticeable difference, but after seeing improvement, the tooth will be sealed to ensure you have lasting results.
Improve Your Smile With Internal Teeth Bleaching
We want to help you improve your confidence. If you have a severely discolored tooth, Contact Empire Dental Speciality Group today to schedule your consultation! We have offices in Beavercreek and West Chester.
Dr. Sheenu Goel, DDS, Endodontist
Internal Teeth Bleaching FAQs
Internal teeth bleaching is a dental procedure used to whiten teeth from the inside out. At Empire Dental Specialty Group, we typically recommend this procedure for teeth that have become discolored due to trauma, root canal treatment, or internal staining from certain medications like tetracycline.
A bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth in the pulp chamber. The agent is sealed temporarily and left in place for a few days to a week. This process may be repeated until the desired whitening is achieved.
This procedure is ideal for:
- Teeth that are discolored after a root canal treatment.
- Teeth stained due to internal factors, such as blood breakdown products from trauma.
- Teeth with gray, brown, or yellow discoloration that does not respond to external bleaching.
No, internal teeth bleaching is not painful. The procedure is performed on teeth that have already undergone a root canal, meaning the nerves have been removed, so the tooth is no longer sensitive.
The entire process usually requires 1–3 visits. Each session takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on the case. The bleach is placed and left in the tooth for several days before being replaced or removed.
Results from internal bleaching can last for many years, but this depends on factors like oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle habits. Teeth can discolor again due to staining from food, drinks, or habits like smoking.
To maintain the results:
- Avoid staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Attend regular dental checkups to monitor the treated tooth.
Dr. Goel or Dr. Whipple will assess your tooth’s condition, history of discoloration, and prior treatments to determine if internal bleaching is the right choice for you.
