Cervical root resorption following bleaching of endodontically treated teeth

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure.
• Internal bleaching is used to improve the aesthetics of discolored teeth post-endodontic treatment.
• Potential complications of internal bleaching require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effects of internal bleaching on root structure.
• To identify specific bleaching agents or methods associated with adverse outcomes.
• To assess the incidence of cervical root resorption and ankylosis following endodontic treatment and internal bleaching in a canine model.

Main Methods:

• Canine subjects underwent root canal treatment on anterior teeth.
• Teeth were subjected to internal etching and bleaching protocols, including heat with 30% hydrogen peroxide and walking bleach techniques.
• After one year, animals were euthanized, and teeth were prepared for stereomicroscopic and light microscopic examination.

Main Results:

• Cervical root resorption and ankylosis were observed in several treated teeth.
• The presence of heat combined with 30% hydrogen peroxide was significantly associated with these adverse findings.
• Internal etching alone or the walking bleach technique did not show a correlation with resorption.

Conclusions:

• The combination of heat and 30% hydrogen peroxide for internal bleaching poses a risk for inducing cervical root resorption and ankylosis.
• These findings suggest that clinicians should exercise caution when using this specific bleaching protocol in endodontically treated teeth.
• Further research may be warranted to explore alternative, safer internal bleaching methods.