CLINICAL CASE
Tooth whitening
Dark teeth are an increasingly frequent consultation in dental clinics. Sometimes, the dental darkening is localized, which generates a greater visibility of the problem when smiling or when talking with other people. Dental darkening can be of external or internal origin.
Localized internal darkening can be caused by the materials used in a previous endodontic procedure or by necrosis of the pulpal tissues within the tooth. Its solution requires a more sophisticated treatment than external dental staining, but is just as effective.
Localized internal darkening can be caused by the materials used in a previous endodontic procedure or by necrosis of the pulpal tissues within the tooth. Its solution requires a more sophisticated treatment than external dental staining, but is just as effective.
This type of whitening of non-vital teeth, as the endodontically treated piece is usually called, is similar to external whitening: it requires applying a whitening gel. Internal staining of the teeth is clinically treated by chemical bleaching agents that are introduced into the interior of the tooth, into the pulp cavity of the tooth. This whitening agent needs to be replaced every 3-5 days until the desired whitening effect is achieved.
Before and after treatment
The present clinical case is a 39-year-old patient with yellowish internal dental staining in the upper left central incisor caused by a root canal performed 8 years ago. After the diagnosis, the patient is indicated to re-endodontic the piece and an internal whitening treatment. The treatment consisted of the application of an internal bleaching agent that was replaced every 4 days in a total of 3 sessions. The final result of the internal dental whitening allowed to achieve a tooth color identical to the adjacent one.
Learn more about non-vital tooth whitening.
In this particular clinical case we have a 39-year-old patient with a yellowish internal dental staining in the upper left central incisor caused by a root canal 8 years ago.
After the diagnosis, the patient is advised to have the tooth re-endodontic and an internal whitening treatment. The treatment consisted of the application of an internal bleaching agent that was replaced every 4 days for a total of 3 sessions. The final result of the internal tooth whitening allowed to achieve a color identical to the adjacent tooth.
It should be noted that dark teeth are an increasingly frequent consultation in dental clinics. Sometimes, dental darkening is localized, which generates a greater visibility of the problem when smiling or talking to other people. They can be of external or internal origin.
Localized internal darkening may be caused by materials used in a previous root canal or necrosis of the pulp tissues inside the tooth. Its solution requires a more sophisticated treatment than external dental staining, but is equally effective.
This type of non-vital tooth whitening, as the endodontically treated tooth is usually called, is similar to external whitening: it requires the application of a whitening gel. Internal tooth staining is treated clinically by means of chemical bleaching agents that are introduced inside the tooth, in the pulp cavity of the tooth. The most commonly used bleaching agents are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
This bleaching agent needs to be replaced every 3-5 days until the desired bleaching effect is achieved.
At Clínica Pronova, we offer different types of aesthetic dental treatments.
If you have questions about your smile or oral health, don't hesitate any longer. Request your first complete and extensive visit
Frequently Asked Questions
How is internal bleaching performed?
The internal bleaching procedure begins with the diagnosis and the need for internal bleaching. Photographs and radiographs are taken to obtain an updated status of the health of the tooth. It will also be necessary to evaluate the shade of the teeth surrounding the darkened tooth to look for a similar shade.
Then, the cavity of the tooth will be opened, an internal cleaning will be performed and as a next step, the dentist will apply the whitening gel in the pulp chamber of the tooth. According to each patient, this opening step can be performed in several sessions, as in our clinical case. When the desired result is obtained, the final sealing of the tooth is performed.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Internal teeth whitening does not cause pain per se. Occasionally, some patients may experience tooth sensitivity, which may feel mild to moderate. This sensation usually fades with the passing of days. At Clínica Pronova, we recommend the use of toothpastes for sensitive teeth before and after internal whitening.
How long does internal bleaching last?
Time is relative to each patient and their needs. However, to have a time reference, usually the duration is between 4 to 8 weeks. In addition, it needs to be applied from 2-3 hours to overnight, depending on the concentration and bleaching agent used.
