Internal Bleaching Specialist – Long Island Great Neck, NY: Michael Baharestani, DDS: Endodontist
What causes deep discoloration of teeth?
In most cases, deep discoloration is caused by infection or damage to the tooth’s interior pulp. Root canals remove damaged or diseased pulp, but they can also cause the tooth to become dark over time. Trauma to teeth may also result in a darkened appearance.
What is internal bleaching?
Unlike regular tooth bleaching techniques and whitening toothpastes that address discoloration on the surfaces of teeth, internal bleaching helps whiten and brighten teeth from the inside by removing stains and darkening caused by deep decay and root canals. Instead of relying on an agent to penetrate to the areas where darkening and discoloration occurs, internal bleaching goes right to the source of the problem – the tooth’s interior – to reduce and eliminate staining where it occurs.
How is internal tooth bleaching performed?
Before the procedure is performed, x-rays will be taken to evaluate the discoloration and assess the area of damage. To prepare the tooth, a root canal is performed first to remove diseased or damaged pulp. A special whitening paste is applied to the cavity, reacting with stains and dissolving them to help teeth appear whiter. Once the canal is filled, the tooth is sealed to prevent further damage to the tooth’s interior. If a tooth already has a root canal and the root canal filling is sound, a hole can be made in the back of the tooth to enable the bleaching agent to reach the target area. After the access hole is made, the area above the filling will be carefully cleaned of debris and sealed to prevent the bleaching agent from reaching the filling. Then, the agent will be applied. Once the desired level of whitening has been achieved, the access point will be filled and sealed.
