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Over time, tooth discoloration can go beyond surface stains and affect the tooth from within. If you’ve noticed a tooth turning gray or dark after an injury, certain medications, or even a root canal, you may be dealing with intrinsic staining. Unfortunately, whitening strips and toothpaste won’t do the trick for these deep stains. This is where internal bleaching comes into play! This professional treatment works from the inside out, safely brightening your tooth and restoring its natural color so you can smile with confidence again.

At Liv Endodontics, our team know how frustrating it can be when a tooth stands out for the wrong reasons. Intrinsic staining doesn’t respond to regular whitening, but our advanced internal bleaching treatments can help. Using safe, effective techniques, we brighten teeth from the inside out, giving you a more natural, even smile. Our expert care and state-of-the-art technology make the process comfortable and results-driven so you can feel great about your smile again.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Tooth discoloration is a common concern that can occur for several reasons. Understanding the underlying cause of your discoloration can help determine the best approach for whitening your teeth. Here are some of the main types of tooth discoloration and their causes:

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains affect the outer layer of the tooth enamel and are caused by external factors, including dark-colored liquids like coffee and wine, smoking or using other tobacco products, and poor oral hygiene.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains originate from within the tooth and are often impossible to remove with traditional whitening methods. Some common causes of intrinsic stains include medication use, excess fluoride exposure as a child, trauma or injury to a tooth, genetics, and natural aging. Root canal therapy is also a common cause of tooth discoloration, as removing the inner pulp can often make the tooth appear darker over time. 

According to a recent study, internal tooth discoloration is often caused by trauma, previous dental treatments, or pulp necrosis, with 58.8% of cases attributed to trauma, 23.9% to previous dental procedures, and 13.7% to pulp necrosis. This study also found that internal bleaching was a viable treatment option for light yellow or gray discolorations. 

For many, a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors contribute to their discoloration. As you age, enamel wears down, making teeth appear duller or more yellow. Pair this with extrinsic factors like coffee drinking, and you may be ready for a professional whitening procedure to brighten your smile.

Internal Bleaching in Summit, NJ

If you’re ready for a brighter smile, professional teeth whitening offers safer, more effective, and longer-lasting results compared to at-home lightening kits, especially if your discoloration is due to intrinsic factors. Our Summit, NJ, office offers internal bleaching services to brighten your teeth from within. Before your teeth whitening appointment, your endodontist will consider your overall health as well as your dental health, any previous dental procedures, and the extent/cause of your discoloration to determine if internal bleaching is the most effective option for lightening your teeth. 

If you have any questions about your tooth discoloration and if internal bleaching is the right choice to brighten your smile, please contact us at Liv Endodontics to schedule an appointment.

Young woman smiling right before receiving root canal treatment

What To Expect During The Internal Bleaching Process

If you’re considering internal bleaching to lighten your discoloration, it helps to know what the procedure involves. While your treatment may vary slightly based on your specific dental needs, here’s a breakdown of what to expect at your appointment:

  • Tooth preparation: If your tooth has undergone a root canal, your endodontist will remove any existing filling material to access the inside of the tooth. 
  • Bleaching agent application: A special whitening gel will be inserted inside the tooth and sealed with a temporary filling to allow the bleach to work over several days.
  • Monitoring and waiting period: Your dentist will check your progress over the next few days to weeks and, if necessary, reapply the bleaching agent for the best possible results. 
  • Final results: Once your desired level of whiteness has been achieved, the temporary filling will be removed, and your tooth will be permanently sealed. Your endodontist may perform additional restoration procedures at this time to help you achieve your smile goals.

Your endodontist will provide you with aftercare instructions and guidance on how to best maintain your results and minimize your chances of future discoloration. Following your internal bleaching procedure, you may experience some minor tooth sensitivity and discomfort that should subside within a few days. 

Achieve a Brighter, Healthier Smile With Liv Endodontics

At Liv Endodontics, we know how frustrating it can be when a tooth stands out for the wrong reasons. Intrinsic staining, often caused by trauma, certain medications, or previous dental treatments, can make your teeth appear dull or gray. Fortunately, our internal bleaching treatments can address these deep stains, helping restore a natural, brighter appearance. Using safe and effective techniques, we brighten your teeth from the inside out so you can restore your confident smile. 

With years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, our endodontists, who are professors at NYU College of Dentistry, provide personalized care, ensuring the best possible outcome for your smile. Whether you’re dealing with tooth discoloration from past dental procedures or natural aging, our team is here to guide you through the process with ease and comfort. For a brighter, healthier smile, call us at 973 577 6500 or visit our contact form to schedule your appointment today.