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Cosmetic dentistry

Internal bleaching in Herriman

One dark tooth can stand out even when the rest of your smile is bright. If a tooth turned gray or brown after an injury or root canal, internal bleaching may lighten it from the inside.

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What is internal bleaching?

Internal bleaching whitens a tooth from the inside. It is used on a tooth that has had a root canal. Your dentist places a whitening agent inside the tooth, where the stain is, instead of on the outside surface.

  • Treats one tooth at a time
  • For teeth that darkened from the inside out
  • May avoid the need for a crown or veneer

Who internal bleaching can help

Regular teeth whitening works on the outer enamel. It does little for a tooth that is stained deep inside. Internal bleaching may help if you have:

  • A tooth that turned gray, brown or dark yellow after a root canal
  • A tooth that darkened after a fall or a hit to the mouth
  • A tooth whose nerve has died and needs or has had a root canal

The tooth needs a sound root canal and no active infection. Your dentist takes x-rays to check this first. If the tooth has not had a root canal yet, that comes first. See our page on root canal treatment. If the tooth is badly broken down, a crown or veneer may be a better choice.

What to expect

  1. Exam and x-rays. Your dentist checks the tooth, the root canal filling and the bone around it.
  2. Opening the tooth. The tooth is numbed if needed. A small opening is made on the back of the tooth, where it will not show.
  3. Placing the bleach. A protective seal goes over the root canal filling. Then a whitening agent is placed inside, and the tooth is closed with a temporary filling.
  4. Checking the color. You come back after several days to a couple of weeks. If the tooth needs to be lighter, the bleach is changed. This may be repeated a few times.
  5. Final filling. Once the color looks right, the bleach is removed and the opening is sealed with a tooth-colored filling.

After your treatment

While the temporary filling is in, avoid biting hard foods on that tooth. Call us if the temporary comes loose or the tooth starts to hurt or swell. Once treatment is done, brush and floss as normal and keep up with your checkups. Cutting back on coffee, tea and tobacco can help the new color last.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about internal bleaching

Is internal bleaching safe?
It is a common, well-studied way to treat a dark tooth after a root canal. Your dentist seals the root canal first to protect the tooth. Like any treatment, it has small risks, which your dentist will go over with you.
How is it different from regular whitening?
Regular whitening works from the outside on many teeth at once. Internal bleaching works from the inside on one tooth that has a root canal.
How long will the color last?
Results often last for years. Some teeth darken a little over time and may need a touch-up. Your dentist will watch the tooth at your checkups.
Can I whiten my other teeth too?
Yes. Some people whiten their other teeth at the same time so the shades match. Your dentist can help you plan the order.

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