What is Internal Bleaching?

Understanding Internal Bleaching

Internal bleaching is a specialized endodontic procedure used to whiten a single, discolored tooth from the inside out. Unlike traditional whitening methods that treat surface stains on the tooth's exterior, internal bleaching addresses discoloration that originates from within the tooth's structure. This is often necessary for teeth that have become dark or gray after a root canal or due to trauma.

The Internal Bleaching Procedure

The internal bleaching procedure is a straightforward and minimally invasive process that typically involves a few simple steps:

Access: The endodontist creates a small opening in the back of the discolored tooth to access the pulp chamber.

Cleaning: The chamber is thoroughly cleaned to remove any old filling material, debris, or stained dentin that may be causing the discoloration.

Bleaching Agent Application: A professional-grade bleaching agent, often a mixture of sodium perborate and water, is placed inside the tooth.

Sealing: The access opening is sealed with a temporary filling, and the bleaching agent is left to work over a period of a few days to a week. This is often referred to as the "walking bleach" technique.

Follow-up: The patient returns to the office for a follow-up visit to have the temporary filling and bleaching agent removed. If the desired shade has been achieved, a permanent filling is placed. If not, the process can be repeated.