Internal teeth whitening, also known as internal bleaching or tooth bleaching, is a dental procedure to lighten the tooth from the inside out. This technique is typically used on teeth that have undergone root canal treatment and have discoloured as a result. The discoloration may be due to factors such as the death of the tooth’s pulp, the breakdown of red blood cells, or the use of certain dental materials during the root canal procedure.

The dentist will first assess the tooth to determine the cause and extent of discoloration. This may involve taking X-rays to examine the root canal and surrounding structures.

Internal Tooth Whitening Procedure

To perform internal whitening, the dentist needs to access the inside of the tooth. This is typically done by creating a small opening in the back of the tooth, near the gumline. The dentist will clean out any remnants of the pulp tissue and any other materials inside the tooth.

Application of Whitening Agent:

A whitening agent, usually a hydrogen peroxide-based gel, is applied inside the tooth. The access opening is then sealed with a temporary filling.

Waiting Period:

The whitening agent is left inside the tooth for a certain period. This process may be repeated over several appointments until the desired level of tooth whitening is achieved.

Monitoring:

Your dentist will monitor the progress of the internal tooth whitening during subsequent visits. Once the desired level of whitening is reached, the access opening is sealed permanently.

Is internal teeth whitening painful?

No, internal whitening is not normally painful. Very occasionally a patient may have mild sensitivity or leaking of the bleaching agent which could cause a little discomfort.

It is important to note that not all discoloured teeth are suitable candidates for internal teeth whitening. Other factors, such as the health of the tooth and the cause of the discoloration must be considered. Additionally, internal whitening is typically performed on individual teeth and not on the entire set of teeth.

As with any dental procedure, it is essential to consult with a dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation. Our team at the Kensington Dentist have a wealth of experience and can answer any questions you may have about the treatment.

Get in touch with our practice today to arrange an initial internal teeth whitening consultation with us today.