Can the inside of a tooth be bleached

Internal tooth bleaching, also known as non-vital tooth bleaching or walking bleach, is a dental procedure used to lighten the color of a tooth that has become discolored or grey following root canal treatment. This discoloration occurs because the tooth's pulp tissue has been removed during the root canal procedure, leading to changes in the tooth's color over time. Internal tooth bleaching is a cosmetic dentistry option to improve the appearance of such teeth. Here's how the procedure works:

Procedure for Internal Tooth Bleaching:

1. Evaluation: The first step is a thorough dental examination by your dentist or endodontist to assess the discolored tooth's condition and suitability for internal bleaching. X-rays may be taken to ensure there are no underlying issues, such as fractures or infections.

2. Isolation: The dentist will isolate the treated tooth to prevent the bleaching agent from coming into contact with surrounding teeth and soft tissues. A rubber dam or other isolation method is used for this purpose.

3. Access Opening: In many cases, the dentist will create a small access opening at the back of the tooth, through which the bleaching agent can be placed into the pulp chamber. If there is already an existing access cavity from the previous root canal treatment, it may be used.

4. Placement of Bleaching Agent: The dentist places a bleaching agent (typically a hydrogen peroxide gel) inside the pulp chamber of the discolored tooth. The access opening is sealed temporarily to prevent the bleaching agent from leaking out.

5. Multiple Appointments: Internal bleaching is typically performed over several appointments. During each visit, the dentist may replace the old bleaching agent with a fresh application. The number of appointments needed depends on the desired level of whitening and the extent of discoloration.

6. Monitoring: The tooth's color is regularly monitored to assess progress. Once the desired level of whitening is achieved or no further improvement is observed, the bleaching process is considered complete.

7. Sealing the Access Opening: After the desired level of whitening is reached, the access opening is sealed with a permanent dental filling to prevent any further leakage of the bleaching agent or bacteria into the tooth.

Results and Considerations

Internal tooth bleaching can be an effective way to lighten the colour of a discolored tooth following a root canal treatment. However, it's important to note that the success of the procedure can vary from patient to patient, and not all teeth will respond equally well to bleaching.

Additionally, internal bleaching may not be suitable for all cases of tooth discoloration. For instance, teeth with extensive internal structural damage or those with root fractures may not be good candidates for this procedure.

If you have a discoloured tooth following a root canal treatment and are interested in internal bleaching to improve its appearance, consult with your dentist or endodontist. They will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to achieve the desired results.