Internal Bleaching
Cosmetic Endodontics
Charlotte Root Canal Center provides internal bleaching (also called walking bleach) at 2809 Coltsgate Road, Suite 210, Charlotte, NC 28211. Dr. Rush Sunar, DMD uses this technique to whiten teeth that have darkened or discolored after root canal treatment. Unlike external whitening strips or trays, internal bleaching works from inside the tooth to restore its natural color. Call (704) 375-4252 to schedule a consultation.
Why Do Teeth Darken After Root Canal?
When a tooth undergoes root canal therapy, the living pulp tissue inside is removed. Over time, the remaining tooth structure can darken for several reasons:
Blood breakdown products: During pulp infection or trauma, blood products can seep into the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) and cause gray, brown, or yellow discoloration as they break down.
Filling materials: Some older root canal filling materials can cause discoloration over time.
Loss of vitality: A non-vital (root canal treated) tooth no longer receives blood supply, which can cause the tooth to gradually lose its natural translucency and appear darker than adjacent living teeth.
This discoloration is particularly noticeable on front teeth where aesthetics are most important. External whitening products (strips, trays, in-office whitening) cannot effectively treat this type of discoloration because the staining originates from inside the tooth, not on the surface.
How Internal Bleaching Works
Step 1 — Preparation: Dr. Sunar accesses the pulp chamber through the back of the tooth (using the existing root canal access opening). A protective barrier is placed over the root canal filling to prevent the bleaching agent from reaching the root.
Step 2 — Bleaching agent: A professional-strength bleaching agent (typically sodium perborate mixed with water or hydrogen peroxide) is placed inside the pulp chamber.
Step 3 — Sealed and wait: The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. The bleaching agent works from inside the tooth over the next 3 to 7 days. This is called “walking bleach” because you go about your normal life while the bleaching agent works.
Step 4 — Evaluate and repeat: You return to the office and Dr. Sunar evaluates the color change. If more lightening is needed, fresh bleaching agent is placed and the process is repeated. Most teeth reach the desired shade within 1 to 3 sessions.
Is Internal Bleaching Safe?
Yes. Internal bleaching is a well-established endodontic procedure with decades of clinical use. The protective barrier placed over the root canal filling prevents the bleaching agent from affecting the root or surrounding bone. The procedure is painless — the tooth has no nerve, so you feel nothing during or after placement. The most important safety measure is the protective barrier, which Dr. Sunar places carefully to ensure the bleaching agent stays within the crown of the tooth.
Who Is a Candidate?
Internal bleaching is appropriate for patients who have:
• A tooth that has darkened after root canal treatment
• A tooth that darkened after dental trauma (even without root canal treatment)
• A satisfactory root canal filling with no signs of reinfection
• Sufficient remaining tooth structure (the tooth has not been extensively restored with a crown)
Internal bleaching is most effective on front teeth where the discoloration is most visible. If the tooth already has a crown, internal bleaching is not applicable — the crown itself would need to be replaced to change the color.
Related Services
Need root canal treatment first? Learn about root canal therapy at Charlotte Root Canal Center.
Tooth darkened from trauma? We also treat traumatic dental injuries.
First time visiting? See our new patient information.
Tooth Darkened After Root Canal?
Internal bleaching can restore its natural color. Call for a consultation with Dr. Sunar.
Call (704) 375-4252