
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
Tags
- celebrity smiles (41)
- teeth wear (1)
- oral cancer (1)
- orthodontics (2)
- braces (4)
- dental implants (20)
- oral health (21)
- crowns (7)
- nutrition (6)
- saliva (1)
- dental crowns (2)
- dental bridges (1)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- pediatric dentistry (6)
- tooth decay (7)
- fluoride (2)
- teeth whitening (4)
- cosmetic dentistry (16)
- smile makeover (3)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- bone grafting (3)
- wisdom teeth (2)
- dental implant bridge (1)
- oral hygiene (23)
- bad breath (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- veneers (7)
- loose dentures (1)
- dental bonding (1)
- dental contouring (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- tooth pain (4)
- preventative dentistry (1)
- gum disease (2)
- dentures (3)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- toothache (2)
- chipped tooth (1)
- dental injury (5)
- wedding day smile (1)
- Dental Visits (1)
- retainer (1)
- cancer (1)
- mouth rash (1)
- sugar (1)
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- bonding (1)
- mouthguards (3)
- eating disorders (1)
- dental implant (4)
- bridge (1)
- fluroide (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- orthodontic treatment (4)
- dental injuries (3)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- Filling (1)
- diabetes (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- anesthesia (2)
- dental exam (2)
- Dental Crown (2)
- eating disorder (1)
- extraction (1)
- mouth sore (2)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- dental care (1)
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure (1)
John D. Luker, DDS
997 Clocktower Drive
Springfield, Illinois 62704
(217) 546-8330

Whether performed in a dental office or using a home kit, teeth whitening applications are quite effective for bleaching exterior (extrinsic) stains on enamel surfaces. But what if your discoloration comes from inside the tooth? In this case, extrinsic teeth whitening won’t work — you’ll need to undergo an “internal bleaching” method, which can only be performed in a dentist's office.
There are a number of causes for “intrinsic” staining, including too much fluoride exposure or tetracycline use during childhood. One of the more common causes, though, occurs from root canal treatments used to remove the remnants of the pulp tissue inside a tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals. Certain cements used during the procedure to help seal in the filling material and leftover blood pigments can cause the tooth to darken over time.
To alleviate this discoloration, we use a bleaching agent, usually sodium perborate mixed with a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide to achieve a safe, accelerated color change. After determining that the root canal filling is still intact and the bone is healthy, we create a small cavity in the back of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The chamber is cleaned of any debris or stained material and then thoroughly irrigated. The original root canal filling is then sealed off to prevent leakage from the bleaching agent.
We then place the bleaching agent in the cleaned-out space with a cotton pellet and seal it in with a temporary adhesive. This step is repeated for several days until we achieve the desired shade of white. Once that occurs we then seal the dentin with a more permanent filling and then restore the cavity we created with a composite resin bonded to the enamel and dentin.
If we’re successful in achieving the desired color, intrinsic whitening could help you avoid more costly options like veneers or crowns for an otherwise healthy and attractive tooth. The end result would be the same — a beautiful smile without those unsightly stains.
If you would like more information on treating internal tooth stains, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Whitening Traumatized Teeth.”