You may have heard about the cosmetic dentistry procedure called Internal bleaching. But do you actually know what it is? At Richardson Cosmetic Dentistry in Richardson, TX., internal bleaching in one of the many cosmetic dentistry services we offer. Read on to learn more about it.
What is Internal Bleaching in Cosmetic Dentistry?
Internal bleaching is the process of bleaching or whitening a tooth from the inside out. Unlike traditional tooth whitening, where whitening agents are applied to the outside of the tooth, internal bleaching is completed from the inside out.
Sometimes, despite all your oral health efforts, blood and bacteria can enter your tooth during a root canal. In the case of trauma or cavities, the discoloration begins from inside of the tooth and spreads outwards. Thankfully these types of stains can be eliminated by internal bleaching to improve your smile.
Internal bleaching is a more conservative approach than crowning, porcelain veneers or bonding the tooth surface with a composite resin in order to mask the discoloration.
Teeth Whitening vs Internal Bleaching
Traditional teeth whitening such as the KöR Whitening system bleaches the outside layer of your teeth. It’s extremely effective and highly recommended for teeth that are discolored from food or the effects of aging. As it works only on natural viable teeth, it will have no effect on prosthesis, root canal treated teeth or a non-living tooth.
However, internal bleaching is a different dental care procedure because it whitens from the inside out. It is sometimes known as non-vital bleaching because it aims to whiten teeth that have darkened due to damage or infection and are no longer viable.
How Long Does Internal Bleaching Last?
Depending on the severity of your tooth discoloration, you may need to come back after a few days for another round of bleaching. But, just like external teeth whitening, internal bleaching is not a definitive process. Your tooth may discolor in the future, but this process helps improve aesthetics for a very long time, sometimes as long as 5 to 7 years!
Does Internal Bleaching Hurt?
Some patients have reported pain after the treatment due to a discharge of the bleaching agent. But, all in all, Internal bleaching has very few risks. Don’t let a bad root canal treatment discolor your teeth and ruin your attractive smile. Your dentists in Richardson, Texas care about you and want you feeling confident about your beautiful smile.
Do I Need Internal Bleaching?
If one or more teeth remain yellow or grey despite your impeccable oral hygiene and teeth whitening efforts then you absolutely need internal bleaching. This unyielding color change is a sign of an infected or dead tooth that needs dental treatment right away.
Before signing up for the cosmetic procedure, sit down with one of our cosmetic dentists for a consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment goals. Together you can determine if you’re a good candidate for internal bleaching.
Here and Richardson Family Dentistry, we want to be your home for cosmetic dentistry in Richardson, Texas. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We are excited to help you in your oral health goals.
