[Bleaching of discolored root canal treated teeth. 3- and 5-year postoperative results]

In this study a simple and time-saving method for internal bleaching of discolored root-filled teeth is presented. The method used sodium perborate moistened with water and the access cavity temporarily sealed with Cavit between visits. Bleaching was carried out in 95 teeth, with a satisfactory initial result in 90% of the cases. After 3 years of observation, recurrence of discoloration was found in 20% of the teeth seen at follow-up examination. After 5 years of observation a total of 29.4% showed discoloration or recurrence of discoloration. The method is easy, fast and essentially without complications. It is therefore recommended as an alternative to full crown restoration, assuming the tooth is not too weakened because of large fillings.