Internal Bleaching

What Is Internal Bleaching?

As decay or trauma causes the dental pulp to become infected, the dying soft tissues may produce byproducts which can stain the enamel of these teeth.  These are not superficial stains which can be removed by polishing or common bleaching techniques.  Such stains are commonly seen in teeth which have already had, or are in obvious need of root canal therapy.  Internal bleaching is a method of whitening a tooth from the inside out. This procedure requires the presence of an adequate root canal filling before it can be done.  It involves  the precise placement of a specific bleaching agent, which is sealed inside the tooth for 24-48 hours and then removed. It can sometimes require a second session, in order to achieve the desired result.  After the whitening procedure is completed your dentist will seal the opening in the tooth with a tooth colored material.