While both treatments will help you achieve a whiter smile, internal tooth bleaching is different than regular teeth whitening because the treatment is applied on the interior of the tooth rather than the exterior. Call Smile Newport Beach today at (949) 640-5680 to learn more about internal tooth bleaching in Newport Beach, California, and to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Laura E. Wittenauer.
Internal teeth bleaching is the process of whitening a tooth from the inside out. This type of whitening is usually provided following a traumatic injury to the tooth, severe decay that has discolored the tooth, or a root canal treatment. In traditional teeth whitening, the whitening agent is applied to the outer surface of the tooth. When you receive an internal bleaching treatment, the whitening agent is applied inside the tooth. Our dentist will first make a small hole in the back of the tooth and remove any debris or infected tissue.
The whitening agent will be placed inside the tooth, and the tooth will then be sealed with a temporary filling material. The whitening agent will then work to lighten the tooth to your desired shade of white. While this process can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, in most cases, the whitening agent will remain in the tooth for one to two weeks, at which time we will work with you to evaluate the progress of your tooth and repeat the whitening process if your desired shade of white has not been reached.
Please note that any endodontic treatments must be completed before you can receive internal bleaching. This will help make your whitening process more comfortable and will allow you to eat and drink normally while the bleaching agent is inside your tooth. Please also be aware that internal bleaching may not be able to eliminate all staining from your tooth. Our dentist may recommend additional treatments to improve the appearance and strength of the tooth as needed.
If you have any questions about internal bleaching or would like to schedule an appointment with our dentist, contact our office today.
Dr. Laura E. Wittenauer is proud to offer excellent comprehensive dental care in Newport Beach, California, to help her patients achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile. She will take the time to get to know each patient, assess their needs, and treat the issue with the least amount of dental care. She truly cares about each patient and will do everything she can to help them gain optimal oral health.