What is Internal Teeth Bleaching in Spring Branch & Memorial, Houston, TX

What is Internal Teeth Bleaching?

Internal bleaching is a dental procedure used to whiten the appearance of a tooth that has discolored over time due to internal staining. This can occur as a result of trauma, root canal treatment, or the natural aging process. Unlike external bleaching, which brightens the outside of the teeth, internal bleaching lightens teeth from the inside out.

Purpose:

The purpose of internal bleaching is to improve the aesthetic appearance of the tooth, making it blend in more naturally with the rest of the teeth. It can be a great solution for individuals who have one or more teeth that have darkened due to internal factors.

How it Works:

The procedure works by applying a bleaching agent inside the tooth. First, the dentist will make a small hole in the back of the tooth and remove any decay or old filling material. Then, the dentist will place a bleaching agent inside the tooth and seal it with a temporary filling. This allows the bleach to work from the inside, lightening the tooth over time.

Estimated time:

The bleaching agent is usually left inside the tooth for about one to two weeks. During this time, the bleach will work to lighten the tooth.

The duration of the treatment can vary depending on the severity of the discoloration and the desired level of whitening. Some teeth may require multiple treatments (1-2 months long) to achieve the desired result. It’s important to note that internal bleaching only affects the color of the treated tooth, so it may not match the color of the rest of your teeth if you have external staining or discoloration.

Final Treatment with a Cosmetic Filling:

After this period of bleached tooth  has been reached to desired results, the dentist will remove the temporary filling and the bleaching agent, and then permanently fill the access hole made at the beginning of the procedure. This is typically done using a tooth-colored filling material. This final step is important as it prevents any bacteria from entering the tooth and causing further damage or infection. The filling also restores the tooth’s structure and appearance, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. At Lifeworks Dental, we take great care to ensure that the filling matches the color of your newly whitened tooth as closely as possible for a natural-looking result.