Internal bleaching: long-term outcomes and complications

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Internal bleaching is a common dental procedure for discolored teeth.
• 30% hydrogen peroxide is frequently used but has known limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy and risks of internal bleaching using 30% hydrogen peroxide.
• To explore alternative internal bleaching agents with a lower risk profile.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical and experimental data on 30% hydrogen peroxide internal bleaching.
• Assessment of sodium perborate as an alternative bleaching agent.

Main Results:

• 30% hydrogen peroxide shows high short-term aesthetic success but less than 50% long-term success.
• External root resorption is a significant risk associated with 30% hydrogen peroxide.
• Sodium perborate provides acceptable aesthetics with potentially minimized resorption.

Conclusions:

• Avoid 30% hydrogen peroxide for internal bleaching due to long-term failure and resorption risks.
• Sodium perborate is a viable alternative for internal bleaching, offering improved safety and acceptable results.