
What Is Internal Bleaching?
In the quest for a brighter smile, most people are familiar with traditional teeth whitening treatments that address stains on the external surfaces of the teeth. However, when it comes to discoloration that originates from within a tooth, a more specialized approach is required. This is where internal bleaching comes into play — a targeted whitening treatment that works from the inside out. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what internal bleaching is, how it works, and what you can expect from this procedure.
Understanding Internal Bleaching
Internal bleaching, also known as intracoronal bleaching, is a dental procedure designed to whiten teeth from the inside. It is specifically used to address discoloration that occurs as a result of changes within the tooth itself, which might be due to factors like trauma, infection, or the effects of previous dental work. Unlike external whitening systems that remove stains from the surface of the teeth, internal bleaching targets the dentin inside the tooth that has been discolored.
The Causes of Internal Discoloration
Before discussing the procedure itself, it’s important to understand what can lead to the need for internal bleaching. Internal discoloration can be caused by several factors:
- Trauma: If a tooth is hit with significant force, the nerve may die, leading to darkening over time.
- Root Canal Therapy: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can sometimes show discoloration due to residual blood or other materials inside the tooth chamber.
- Decay and Infection: Dental decay and infections can lead to internal staining as the dentin becomes affected.
The Internal Bleaching Procedure
The process of internal bleaching is precise and should only be performed by a qualified dentist. Here’s a general outline of what to expect:
- Assessment and Planning: The first step is a thorough examination to ensure that internal bleaching is suitable for your specific situation. The dentist will check the health of the tooth and confirm that the discoloration is indeed internal.
- Preparation: For teeth that have had root canal treatment, the dentist will access the inside of the tooth, removing any old filling material along with any debris or discoloration. It’s crucial that the tooth is clean and free from infection.
- Bleaching Agent Application: A bleaching agent, typically a form of peroxide, is then placed inside the tooth, within the pulp chamber. The tooth is temporarily sealed with a non-permanent filling, allowing the bleach to work over a period of several days.
- Monitoring: You will have follow-up visits to monitor the progress of the bleaching process. The dentist will check the tooth and replace the bleaching agent as needed until the desired shade is reached.
- Final Restoration: Once the tooth reaches a satisfactory color, the internal bleaching agent is removed, and the tooth is permanently sealed with a new filling. In some cases, additional external whitening may be recommended to ensure that the bleached tooth matches the surrounding teeth.
Advantages of Internal Bleaching
- Effective for Internal Stains: Internal bleaching is one of the few effective methods to whiten teeth that have been discolored from within.
- Quick Results: Although it requires a few visits, the actual change can be noticed relatively quickly, often within a few weeks.
- Conservative: It is a conservative approach to whitening a tooth without the need for more invasive procedures like veneers or crowns.
Considerations and Care
While internal bleaching is a safe procedure when conducted by a professional, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Not Suitable for All Teeth: Internal bleaching is only suitable for non-vital teeth or those that have undergone a root canal.
- Potential for Re-discoloration: There is a chance that the tooth may eventually discolor again, depending on several factors including the original cause of the discoloration.
- Post-Treatment Care: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are important after internal bleaching to preserve the health and appearance of the treated tooth.
Schedule Your Internal Bleaching Consultation Now
Internal bleaching is a specialized procedure designed to restore the natural color of teeth that have been discolored from the inside. It provides an effective solution for those looking to correct changes in tooth color due to injury or past dental issues. If you believe internal bleaching might be right for you, it’s essential to consult with a professional who can provide personalized advice and treatment. At South Bay Dentistry in Apollo Beach, we specialize in various cosmetic procedures, including internal bleaching, helping our patients achieve the bright, healthy smiles they deserve.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.