Internal Bleaching
Internal bleaching, also known as tooth whitening or tooth bleaching, is a dental procedure used to lighten the color of a tooth that has darkened or discolored due to various reasons, such as trauma, root canal treatment, or intrinsic stains.
Access Opening: If the tooth has had a root canal treatment, the dentist will create a small opening in the back of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
Cleaning: The dentist will clean the inside of the tooth to remove any debris or remnants of the previous root canal treatment.
Placement of Bleaching Agent: A bleaching agent, usually a hydrogen peroxide solution, is placed inside the tooth. The access opening is then sealed temporarily.
Reaction Time: The bleaching agent remains inside the tooth for a specific period, during which it works to break down the stains and lighten the tooth color.
Monitoring: The dentist will periodically check the progress of the bleaching process to ensure that the desired results are achieved without causing any harm to the tooth structure.
Sealing: Once the desired level of whitening is reached, the bleaching agent is removed, and the access opening is sealed permanently.
Internal Bleaching vs. Other Teeth Whitening Treatments
As the name suggests, internal bleaching is performed on the inside of the tooth. It focuses on lightening the tooth from the inside by applying the bleaching agent directly within the pulp chamber.
Standard whitening treatments, such as toothpastes, rinses, and whitening gels, only work on the outside of the tooth. These treatments focus on removing surface stains and lightening the color of the enamel.
What to Expect During Treatment
Generally, internal bleaching is not considered a painful procedure. The process is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the treatment. While some individuals may experience temporary sensitivity, internal bleaching is generally well-tolerated. Any discomfort is typically manageable with appropriate care and professional guidance.