What Is Internal Tooth Bleaching?
Internal bleaching is a cosmetic endodontic procedure that whitens a tooth from the inside out. Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy can sometimes darken over time as a result of blood products, pulp remnants, or certain filling materials that discolor the internal tooth structure. Because this discoloration originates from within the tooth, external whitening treatments such as professional teeth whitening or take-home whitening trays cannot reach or correct it. Internal bleaching addresses the discoloration at its source.
Internal Tooth Bleaching: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 2 to 4 short visits |
| Time needed | About a week between visits |
| Anesthesia | None; the tooth has no nerve |
| Recovery time | None |
| How long it lasts | Several years; may need a touch-up |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Internal Bleaching Is For
A tooth can darken after an injury or root canal treatment because pigments form inside the dentin. Surface whitening cannot reach them, but bleach placed inside the tooth can.
- One tooth that is darker than the others
- A tooth that has had root canal treatment
- Discoloration after an injury
- A tooth with enough sound structure not to need a crown
- A wish to avoid a veneer or crown
Internal Tooth Bleaching at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, internal bleaching is performed by Dr. Alex Rubinshtein. The procedure involves accessing the pulp chamber of the previously treated tooth, placing a professional-strength bleaching agent inside, and sealing the tooth temporarily. The whitening agent works from within the tooth over a period of days, gradually lightening the discoloration. Depending on the severity of the darkening, the bleaching material may be replaced one or more times until the desired shade is achieved. Once the tooth matches the surrounding teeth, the access opening is permanently sealed.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- X-ray. We confirm the root canal filling is sound.
- Access. The existing opening in the back of the tooth is reopened.
- Barrier. A protective seal is placed over the root filling.
- Bleach. Whitening material is placed inside the tooth and sealed in.
- Review. After about a week the shade is checked and the process is repeated if needed.
- Final filling. Once the shade matches, the tooth is permanently sealed.
Options for a single dark tooth
| Option | Tooth structure removed | Visits |
|---|---|---|
| Internal bleaching | None | 2 to 4 short visits |
| Porcelain veneer | A thin layer of enamel | 2 to 3 |
| Crown | The outer tooth all round | 2 |
One dark tooth can dominate a smile. Internal bleaching is the least invasive way to bring it back in line.
Recovery and Aftercare
After your visit
The first 24 hours
- Avoid biting hard on the tooth while the temporary filling is in
- Avoid staining food and drink
- Expect the color to change gradually
The following days and weeks
- Return for each review
- Have the permanent filling placed once the shade is right
- Expect a possible touch-up years later
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- The temporary filling comes out
- The tooth becomes painful
- The shade becomes lighter than the neighboring teeth
A Conservative Alternative
Internal bleaching is a conservative and effective alternative to more invasive cosmetic options such as porcelain veneers or cosmetic crown replacements for addressing a single darkened tooth. It preserves the existing tooth structure while restoring a natural, uniform appearance to the smile.
Cost and Insurance
The fee for root canal care depends mainly on which tooth is involved, because back teeth have more canals than front teeth. You receive an estimate before treatment starts.
What affects the cost
- The tooth being treated: front tooth, premolar or molar
- Whether it is a first treatment or a retreatment
- The restoration needed afterward, usually a core and crown
- 3D imaging, if required
Most dental plans contribute to root canal treatment and to the crown that follows. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
