Internal Bleaching

What is internal bleaching?

Internal bleaching is a treatment for restoring discolored teeth to their original color. Your 3D MicroEndo endodontist may perform internal bleaching after a successful root canal treatment, or in other situations, as needed. 

Internal bleaching can restore healthy color to even a badly stained tooth. It’s most common in the “smile teeth” that you display when you smile widely, but your endodontist can perform it on other teeth as needed. You can treat one tooth or many teeth at one time depending on your situation and needs. 

How is internal bleaching different from external bleaching?

Most types of teeth bleaching are external methods, which affect only the enamel (the outermost layer of your teeth). If you have stains inside your tooth, within the dentin, ordinary external bleaching doesn’t help because the discolored dentin still shows through the enamel. 

Internal bleaching affects the dentin, making it more translucent and creating a whiter tooth. 

When do I need internal teeth bleaching?

You may need internal bleaching as a cosmetic procedure to brighten your darkened teeth so it matches the surrounding teeth. The 3D MicroEndo endodontists may perform internal teeth bleaching before you get a crown or porcelain veneers. 

Because crowns and veneers are both partially translucent, your tooth needs to be sufficiently white before applying them, and internal bleaching is the best way to achieve this.

How does internal teeth whitening work?

Your endodontist deposits a bleaching agent inside your tooth, which whitens from within. Usually, the whitening agent remains inside your tooth for a week or two, at which point your endodontist checks your progress. 

Depending on the situation, your endodontist may also recommend external tooth whitening to brighten and lighten your tooth enamel.

How do I keep my teeth white after internal teeth whitening?

It’s important to keep your enamel free of stains. Otherwise, you may notice your teeth darkening again. Avoid dark-colored drinks and foods, smoking, and other habits that may lead to tooth staining. 

As long as you keep up with good dental care habits, you can greatly reduce the chances of infection and decay. That means lowered chances of needing a root canal and further internal tooth bleaching in the future. 

Crowns and veneers don’t respond to external tooth bleaching, so if your dentin grows dark and discolors your tooth again, you’ll need another internal bleaching session. 

Book your internal bleaching appointment by calling the 3D MicroEndo office nearest you or using the online booking tool.