Sometimes teeth with healthy outer enamel darken or become discolored, believe it or not, from the inside out!
This happens after trauma, previous root canal treatment, or due to internal staining within the tooth structure. Standard whitening treatments, even professional-grade ones, may do little for this type of discoloration. In these cases, internal tooth bleaching can be an effective way to brighten a single darkened tooth and restore a more even-looking smile.
What Is Internal Tooth Bleaching?
Internal tooth bleaching (or “whitening”) is a cosmetic treatment used for teeth that have darkened from within, usually after root canal therapy or injury. This approach is recommended when one (usually front) otherwise healthy tooth looks noticeably darker than those around it. Dr. Elizabeth P. Gladnick may recommend internal bleaching before veneers or crowns when the tooth in question is structurally sound.
Common causes of internal staining include:
- Past trauma to the tooth
- Bleeding inside the tooth after injury
- Previous root canal treatment
- Aging dental materials inside the tooth
- Deep internal discoloration resistant to regular whitening
As part of the procedure, instead of whitening only the outside surface, the dentist places a whitening agent inside the tooth, at the source of the discoloration. At Gladnick Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, internal tooth bleaching is carefully planned and performed to improve color while protecting the tooth itself.
How the Process Works
The first step in the internal whitening process is a thorough evaluation by a dentist to confirm the tooth is healthy and properly sealed internally. A small access opening may be used to place whitening material inside the tooth. These specialized whitening agent works over time to safely break down internal stains until the desired shade is reached. Once whitening is complete, the whitening material is removed, and the tooth is permanently sealed and polished.
Why Patients Choose Internal Bleaching
Internal bleaching is a conservative alternative to covering a dark tooth with more extensive restorations. Benefits include:
- Targeted brightening of one discolored tooth
- A better shade match with surrounding teeth
- Preserving natural tooth structure
- A more balanced smile
- Non-invasive treatment
Transformative Internal Tooth Bleaching in Rockville, MD
If you’re in Rockville and want to learn more about correcting a dark tooth and restoring smile symmetry with internal tooth bleaching, contact Dr. Elizabeth P. Gladnick and the friendly and skilled Gladnick Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.