The bleaching of discolored teeth is a regularly done cosmetic dentistry procedure performed by most general dentists. The degree of color change that occurs during bleaching depends on the types of stains present, the peroxide dose, the amount of time on the teeth and how frequently it is performed. Some areas, including artificial dental crowns, dental veneers and the roots of the teeth, cannot be whitened by bleaching. Internal bleaching is the practical treatment option to lighten a discolored tooth that has had root canal therapy.

Internal bleaching is only an option for devitalized and root-canal-treated teeth. It involves placing a chemical oxidizing agent within the coronal portion of a tooth to remove discoloration. The etiology of tooth discoloration can be intrinsic, extrinsic, or both; it can involve dentin, enamel, or pulp; it may be brought on by diet, age, or habits.

After root canal treatment, or endodontic surgery or Apicoectomy has been performed, teeth have a tendency to discolor after some time and turn to darker shades of brown or grey caused by decomposition. This leads to a loss of aesthetics in the anterior region. Internal bleaching is the cure for this problem, often performed by recommended specialist like an Endodontist.

Internal bleaching of a non-vital tooth is performed by dentist drilling through the wall of the tooth from the rear and introduce a special bleaching agent into the centre of the tooth. The opening is then sealed with a temporary filling. This procedure takes about ten minutes and is repeated every three to five days until the desired shade is achieved. The bleaching effect lasts for several years and often saves the tooth from crowning. In any event, carbamide peroxide is considered safer for the internal bleaching of teeth provided that care is taken to avoid the introduction of bacteria into the root canal.

As a matter of routine, the dentist at India Dental Clinics may perform the necessary dental examination to help determine if the patient is a good candidate and what treatments are best. Any existing dental cavities will need to be filled. If the patient will be using an at-home treatment, a mouthpiece will be made. The dentist may request a follow-up after treatment to evaluate the success and to check any side effects like gum (gingival) irritation or tooth sensitivity. These side effects tend to go away when the treatment is completed.