Internal Bleaching

Have you noticed a tooth turning gray following a root canal procedure? If so, our dentist may recommend internal bleaching to help restore its appearance!

Internal bleaching is the process of whitening a tooth from the inside out. This type of whitening treatment is usually provided following traumatic injury to the tooth, severe caries that discolors the tooth or endodontic treatment. In traditional whitening, a whitening agent is applied to the outer surface of the tooth. With internal bleaching, however, the whitening agents are applied inside the tooth.

When you receive internal bleaching Dr. Bruno Giglio will carefully make a small hole in the back of the tooth and remove any debris or infected tissue. A bleaching agent will be placed inside the tooth, and the tooth will then be sealed with a temporary filing material. While in some cases the bleaching process can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, most cases require the whitening agent to remain in the tooth for one to two weeks. The tooth will then be reevaluated, and the process may be repeated if your desired shade of white has not been achieved.

Please remember that any endodontic treatments must be completed before you can receive internal bleaching. This will make your internal bleaching treatment comfortable and allow you to eat and drink normally while the bleach is inside the tooth. Please also remember that internal bleaching may not be able to eliminate all staining. If this is the case for you, our dentist may recommend a dental crown to match the treated tooth to the adjacent teeth and protect it from biting forces.

To learn more about internal bleaching in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and schedule your consultation with our dentist, contact MI Smile Team today at 586-254-3860.