VP Dental | Cosmetic Dentist in Raleigh, NC
You may have heard about the cosmetic dentistry procedure called Internal bleaching. But do you know what it is? At VP Dental in Raleigh, North Carolina, internal bleaching is one of our many cosmetic dentistry services. Please read on to learn more about it.
What is Internal Bleaching?
Internal bleaching is the process of whitening a tooth from the inside out. Traditional tooth whitening agents are applied to the outside of the tooth. In contrast, internal bleaching is completed from the inside out.
Sometimes, despite all your oral health efforts, blood and bacteria can enter your tooth during a root canal. In the case of trauma or cavities, the discoloration begins inside the tooth and spreads outwards. Thankfully, internal bleaching can eliminate these stains to improve your smile.
Internal bleaching is a more conservative dental approach than crowning, porcelain veneers, or bonding the tooth surface with a composite resin to mask discoloration.
Teeth Whitening vs. Internal Bleaching
Traditional teeth whitening, such as the Zoom Whitening treatment, bleaches the outside layer of your teeth. It’s incredibly effective and highly recommended for teeth discolored from the effects of food or aging. As it works only on naturally viable teeth, it will not affect prosthetic teeth, root canal-treated teeth, or non-living teeth.
However, internal bleaching is a different dental care procedure because it whitens from the inside out. It is sometimes known as non-vital bleaching because it aims to whiten teeth that have darkened due to damage or infection and are no longer viable.
How Long Does Internal Tooth Bleaching Last?
Depending on the severity of tooth discoloration, you may need to return for another round of bleaching. Just like external teeth whitening, internal bleaching is not a definitive process. Your tooth color may change in the future, but this process helps improve aesthetics, sometimes as long as 5 to 7 years!
Does Internal Bleaching Hurt?
Some patients have reported pain after the treatment due to a discharge of the bleaching agent. But, all in all, Internal bleaching has very few risks. Don’t let a bad root canal treatment discolor your teeth and ruin your attractive smile. Your cosmetic dentist in Raleigh, NC, cares about you and wants you to feel confident about your beautiful smile.
Do I Need Internal Bleaching?
If one or more teeth remain yellow or gray despite your impeccable oral hygiene and teeth-whitening efforts, then you absolutely need internal bleaching. The color is a sign that the tooth is full of infection or dead and needs treatment immediately.
Visit Your Cosmetic Dentist in Raleigh, NC
Before signing up for the cosmetic procedure, sit with your cosmetic dentist in Raleigh, NC, for a consultation to discuss your concerns. Together you can determine if you’re a good candidate for internal bleaching or another cosmetic dental procedure to cover the discolored tooth.
Here at VP Dental, we want to be your home for cosmetic dentistry in Raleigh, NC. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment. We are excited to help you with your oral health goals.
