Internal Bleaching: Restoring Brightness to Treated Teeth

Expert Tooth Whitening for Root Canal-Treated Teeth

After root canal therapy, some teeth can become discolored over time, developing a grayish or yellowish tint that stands out from your other teeth. While this discoloration doesn’t affect the health or function of the tooth, it can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. At Cameo Dental Specialists, we offer internal bleaching, a specialized whitening technique designed specifically for teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment. Our dental La Grange experts and the rest of our team across our other locations provide this advanced service to help you achieve a naturally bright, uniform smile.

Whether you’re visiting us in La Grange, Berwyn, Elmhurst, West Loop, or River Forest, our team of board-certified endodontists can evaluate your needs and determine if internal bleaching is the right solution for restoring the appearance of your tooth.

What Is Internal Bleaching?

Internal bleaching, also called non-vital bleaching or walking bleach technique, is a cosmetic dental procedure performed on teeth that have had root canal treatment. Unlike external whitening treatments that work on the outer surface of teeth, internal bleaching targets discoloration from the inside out.

During a root canal, the tooth’s pulp (which contains nerves and blood vessels) is removed. Over time, the remaining tooth structure can darken due to internal staining from blood byproducts, old filling materials, or natural aging. Internal bleaching addresses this by placing a whitening agent directly inside the tooth, allowing it to brighten from within.

How Does Internal Bleaching Work?

The internal bleaching procedure is straightforward and typically completed in just one or two visits to our dental La Grange office or any of our other convenient locations.

1. Evaluation and Preparation: Your endodontist will examine the tooth to ensure it’s a good candidate for internal bleaching. Digital X-rays may be taken to confirm that the root canal was successful and that there are no signs of infection.
2. Accessing the Tooth: A small opening is made in the back of the tooth to access the inner chamber where the pulp used to be. Any old filling material is carefully removed to prepare the space for the bleaching agent.
3. Applying the Whitening Agent: A professional-strength bleaching gel is placed inside the tooth. The opening is then sealed with a temporary filling, allowing the bleach to work over several days.
4. Monitoring and Final Restoration: You’ll return to our office after a few days so we can assess the results. If the tooth hasn’t reached the desired shade, the process may be repeated. Once the tooth has lightened sufficiently, the bleaching agent is removed, and a permanent filling or crown is placed to restore the tooth.

Who Is a Candidate for Internal Bleaching?

Internal bleaching is ideal for patients who:

• Have had a root canal and notice the tooth is darker than surrounding teeth
• Want to improve the appearance of a discolored front tooth
• Are looking for a conservative alternative to veneers or crowns
• Have a structurally sound tooth with no active infection

Our endodontists will determine whether internal bleaching is appropriate based on your specific situation. If your tooth has significant structural damage or requires extensive restoration, other cosmetic options may be recommended.

Why Choose Cameo Dental Specialists?

At Cameo Dental Specialists, we take pride in offering comprehensive care that goes beyond just treating dental problems. We want you to feel confident in your smile, and that includes the appearance of every tooth. Our multi-specialty team collaborates to provide seamless care, whether you need endodontic treatment, periodontal therapy, oral surgery, or cosmetic solutions like internal bleaching.

We serve patients throughout Chicagoland at our locations in La Grange, Berwyn, Elmhurst, West Loop, and River Forest. No matter which office you visit, you’ll receive the same high standard of care from specialists who are experts in their fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is internal bleaching permanent?

A: Internal bleaching can provide long-lasting results, but some fading may occur over time. Touch-up treatments can be performed if needed.

Q: Does internal bleaching hurt?

A: No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after treatment.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

A: Most patients see noticeable improvement within a few days to a week. In some cases, multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the desired shade.

Q: Will internal bleaching weaken my tooth?

A: No. When performed by a trained endodontist, internal bleaching does not compromise the structural integrity of the tooth.

Q: Can I whiten the rest of my teeth at the same time?

A: Yes. Many patients choose to combine internal bleaching with external whitening treatments to achieve a uniform, bright smile.

Restore Your Smile’s Natural Radiance

Don’t let a discolored tooth keep you from smiling with confidence. Internal bleaching is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to brighten root canal-treated teeth. If you’ve noticed darkening in a tooth that’s had endodontic treatment, schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in La Grange, Berwyn, Elmhurst, West Loop, or River Forest.

At Cameo Dental Specialists, we combine advanced techniques with compassionate care to help you look and feel your best. Contact us today to learn more about internal bleaching and take the first step toward a brighter, more beautiful smile.