Restore Your Tooth’s Natural Beauty from the Inside Out
Has a root canal left you with a darkened, discolored tooth that affects your confidence? At Olympus View Dental, your trusted dentist in SLC, we specialize in internal bleaching to restore your tooth’s natural appearance. This advanced cosmetic procedure can dramatically improve the color of teeth that have been darkened by trauma that traditional whitening can’t reach.
When a tooth becomes discolored from the inside, standard teeth whitening treatments simply won’t work. That’s where internal bleaching becomes essential. Our experienced dentist SLC team uses cutting-edge techniques to brighten your tooth from within, giving you back the confident smile you deserve without the need for more invasive treatments like crowns or veneers.
What is Internal Bleaching?
Internal bleaching, also known as non-vital tooth whitening or walking bleach technique, is a specialized procedure designed to lighten teeth that have become discolored following root canal therapy or dental trauma. Unlike external whitening treatments that work on the surface, this technique targets discoloration from within the tooth structure itself.
The procedure involves placing a bleaching agent inside the tooth’s pulp chamber, where it works to break down the stains and discoloration over several days or weeks. This method is particularly effective for teeth that have darkened due to blood or tissue breakdown within the tooth.
Why Teeth Become Discolored After Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth undergoes root canal treatment or experiences trauma, several factors can cause internal discoloration:
Blood and tissue breakdown within the tooth can create dark stains that penetrate deep into the dentin. Restorative materials used during root canal procedures may sometimes contribute to color changes over time. Natural aging of the tooth structure can also cause gradual darkening, especially in treated teeth.
These internal stains cannot be addressed with traditional whitening methods because the discoloration originates from within the tooth structure rather than on the surface enamel.
The Internal Bleaching Process
Initial Consultation and Assessment Our dentist will thoroughly examine your tooth and review your dental history to determine if internal bleaching is the right solution. We’ll take X-rays to ensure the root canal treatment is stable and successful before proceeding.
Preparation and Access A small access hole is created in the back of the tooth, similar to what was done during your original root canal treatment. This allows us to clean out any old filling material and prepare the internal chamber.
Bleaching Agent Application A specially formulated bleaching agent is carefully placed inside the tooth’s pulp chamber. The access hole is then sealed with a temporary filling, allowing the bleaching agent to work from within.
Monitoring Progress You’ll return to our office every few days so we can assess the whitening progress and refresh the bleaching agent if needed. Most patients see significant improvement within one to two weeks.
Final Restoration Once the desired shade is achieved, we’ll remove the bleaching agent and permanently seal the tooth with a tooth-colored filling material that matches your natural teeth.
Benefits of Internal Bleaching
Internal bleaching offers several advantages over more extensive cosmetic treatments:
Preserves natural tooth structure by avoiding the need for crowns or veneers that require significant tooth preparation. Cost-effective solution compared to other cosmetic alternatives while delivering excellent results. Minimally invasive procedure that works with your existing root canal treatment rather than requiring additional extensive work.
The treatment typically provides long-lasting results, with most patients enjoying their improved tooth color for many years with proper oral care.
Ideal Candidates for Internal Bleaching
Internal bleaching is most successful for patients who have:
A tooth that has darkened following root canal treatment, stable and successful endodontic therapy with no signs of infection, and realistic expectations about the final results. The procedure works best on teeth that have been discolored for less than two years, though older discoloration can often still be improved significantly.
Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance
After internal bleaching, maintaining your results is straightforward:
Avoid staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco for the first few weeks following treatment. Practice excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Schedule regular checkups to monitor the treated tooth and overall oral health.
Most patients experience stable, long-lasting results with proper care and maintenance.
Schedule Your Internal Bleaching Consultation
Don’t let a discolored tooth dim your smile any longer. Internal bleaching can restore your tooth’s natural beauty and boost your confidence without extensive dental work.
Contact Olympus View Dental at (801) 278-1164 today. Our experienced dentist SLC team will evaluate your tooth and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile’s natural radiance.
We’re committed to helping Salt Lake City patients achieve their best smiles through advanced, conservative treatments that preserve your natural teeth while delivering outstanding cosmetic results.
