Internal Bleaching Specialist

What is internal bleaching?

Internal bleaching is a procedure to whiten your teeth from the inside out. Unlike conventional teeth whitening treatments that lift stains from the enamel surface of your teeth, internal bleaching is an endodontic treatment that removes stains from the interior of a tooth. 

When is internal bleaching necessary?

Dr. Nance and his team provide internal bleaching procedures when your tooth discoloration is inside your tooth — sometimes called intrinsic staining. Intrinsic staining sometimes occurs after a root canal. Your discoloration may stem from vitality loss due to trauma, or you may have internal bleeding that eventually discolors the inside of your tooth. In some cases, the cement used to seal your tooth after a root canal can contribute to intrinsic staining. 

What happens during internal bleaching?

Fortunately, Dr. Nance and his team offer internal bleaching, so you don’t have to live with a stained tooth. Dr. Nance can perform internal bleaching at the same time as a root canal or at a later time. 

If you have a root canal and internal bleaching at the same time, Dr. Nance thoroughly numbs your tooth and the surrounding tissue with a local anesthetic. Then, he performs a root canal to remove any damaged or infected the pulp and rinses your tooth. 

When he prepares your tooth, Dr. Nance places a sodium perborate paste inside your tooth before sealing it. The paste reacts with the discoloration inside your tooth and dissolves stains, which gradually whitens your tooth. 

If you have internal bleaching at a later date, Dr. Nance takes X-rays and performs an exam to ensure internal bleaching is safe and appropriate for your needs.

Then, after numbing your tooth, he creates a small hole in the back of your tooth so he can place the sodium perborate paste inside. If necessary, Dr. Nance can remove any debris or discolored tooth material before placing the bleaching paste. 

How should I take care of my teeth after internal bleaching?

Dr. Nance gives you personalized aftercare instructions. In most cases, you can return to your regular at-home dental hygiene routine right away. You should also take care to limit external staining to protect your newly whitened smile. 

You can use whitening toothpaste and avoid smoking, coffee, wine, and other products that can stain your teeth. You should also continue to have regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings to keep your teeth healthy inside and out.

Call Dr. Nance or make an appointment online today for expert internal bleaching services.