7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
What is Internal Bleaching
An infection of the dental pulp can give the tooth a darkened, discolored appearance on the outside. Regular whitening procedures cannot treat this kind of discoloration, which is why Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale offers internal bleaching, a method of whitening a tooth from the inside out. After a root canal is performed to remove the infected pulp, a safe sodium perborate paste is placed inside the tooth to break down stains from previous decay and give the tooth a whiter color.
How is Internal Bleaching Different Than Other Teeth Whitening Treatments
As the name suggests, internal bleaching is for the inside of the tooth. Normal whitening options, such as toothpastes, rinses, and whitening gels only affect the outside of the tooth. Internal bleaching offered at Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale can improve your oral health and restore that bright, happy smile!
This makes internal bleaching a uniquely targeted solution, one that addresses discoloration at its source rather than masking it from the outside. For teeth that have darkened following a root canal or pulp infection, no amount of external whitening will produce a noticeable difference. Internal bleaching is often the only cosmetic option that can genuinely restore the natural appearance of these teeth.
Is Internal Bleaching Safe
Internal bleaching is a well-established procedure that has been used in dentistry for decades. When performed by someone experienced like Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale, it is considered a safe and effective way to address deep tooth discoloration. A few things to keep in mind:
- The sodium perborate paste used in the procedure is placed inside the tooth in a controlled, sealed environment — it does not come into contact with surrounding gum tissue
- The procedure is typically painless, as the tooth has already undergone root canal treatment and the nerve has been removed
- Multiple sessions may be needed depending on the severity of the discoloration, with each session building on the last until the desired shade is achieved
- Once the target color is reached, the access cavity is permanently sealed to protect the tooth going forward
- Results can last for many years with proper dental care and routine checkups
Come to Us With Your Internal Bleaching Questions
If you have a problem tooth that doesn’t match the rest of your smile, internal bleaching could be the solution for you. Call us at 480-719-6994 today if you have any questions, and set up an appointment so that Dr. Brittain can determine whether you are a candidate for internal bleaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is internal bleaching in dentistry?
Internal bleaching is a cosmetic dental procedure used to whiten a tooth from the inside, typically after a root canal when the tooth becomes discolored.How is internal bleaching different from regular teeth whitening?
Unlike external whitening, which treats the surface, internal bleaching targets discoloration within the tooth structure for more effective results on non-vital teeth.Who is a good candidate for internal bleaching?
Patients with a single darkened tooth resulting from trauma, infection, or prior root canal treatment are ideal candidates.Is internal bleaching safe?
Yes, when performed by a dental professional, internal bleaching is a safe and effective way to improve tooth color.How long do results from internal bleaching last?
Results can last for several years, though some teeth may require touch-ups depending on the cause of discoloration.