Internal bleaching is a dental procedure used to whiten a discolored or stained tooth from the inside out. It is typically performed on teeth that have been root canal treated and have become discolored due to trauma, decay, or medication. The process involves placing a bleaching agent inside the tooth, where it works to lighten the color of the dentin (the layer beneath the tooth enamel).
There are two main methods of internal bleaching: the walking bleach technique and the non-vital bleaching technique. In the walking bleach technique, a small hole is drilled into the tooth, and a bleaching agent is placed inside. The tooth is then temporarily sealed to allow the bleach to penetrate the dentin over several days. In the non-vital bleaching technique, a bleaching agent is placed directly into the root canal of the tooth and left in place for a few days before being removed.
Internal bleaching can be an effective way to improve the appearance of discolored teeth, but it is important to discuss the procedure with a dentist to determine if it is appropriate for your specific situation.