What does “Walking bleach” mean?
Walking bleach is an internal whitening method in which a whitening agent is placed inside a discolored, root canal-treated tooth, temporarily sealed, and then reviewed. The dental clinic manages application and replacement of the agent.
Why do I check it multiple times?
After applying the agent, the dentist checks the color response and temporary seal to decide the next step. Progress varies with the target shade and cause of discoloration, so a fixed number of applications cannot guarantee a result. Non-vital tooth whitening identifies the target tooth, while walking bleach identifies the technique; the expressions are not exact synonyms.
This means that the medicine is placed inside the tooth, and it does not mean that the patient fills the medicine themselves or opens the tooth at home to use it.
Assess the existing root canal treatment first
The dentist checks whether the root canal has been adequately treated, whether there is inflammation around the root, and whether leakage can be prevented. Any problems may need treatment before whitening.
Complications such as external resorption of the tooth neck area and the possibility of color change are also taken into consideration. Selection of method and use of medication is determined based on the condition of the teeth.
Finish after whitening
After whitening is completed, the internal access area is properly restored and the progress is checked. Existing resin or prosthetics do not show the same color change, so additional color adjustments or replacement can be evaluated separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does walking bleach mean leaving a whitening agent in the tooth while going about daily life?
This is an internal whitening method in which a whitening agent is applied to the inside of the teeth, temporarily blocked, and the condition is checked at regular intervals. Application conditions and visit intervals are determined according to the condition of the teeth.
What do I do if the temporary filling falls out during walking bleach?
Do not add whitening agent or try to seal the tooth yourself. Contact the dental clinic that treated you so it can check whether the inside of the tooth is exposed and assess the temporary seal.
Can all teeth that have had root canal treatment undergo walking bleach?
The root canal filling, internal tooth condition, and cause of discoloration must be assessed. The seal at the neck of the tooth and risks such as external cervical resorption are also considered.
3 things to check before choosing non-vital tooth whitening (walking bleach)
Please review the questions to ask before deciding on treatment and the treatment standards of TU Dental Clinic.
- A choice suited to your condition
Does the clinic check the existing root canal treatment and cause of discoloration?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains the treatment needed based on the current state of tooth decay and the gums. The treatment extent is determined from the diagnosis.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together - Preservation of natural teeth
Does the clinic compare the possibilities and risks of internal whitening with restorative treatment?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic monitors the progress of tooth decay and determines the treatment range by considering the tooth tissue that can be preserved.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together - Care after treatment
Does the clinic provide instructions on how to check for temporary seal abnormalities and changes after treatment?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic provides guidance on hygiene and regular check-ups after gum treatment. Ask about care suited to your teeth and gum condition.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- Intracoronal tooth bleaching · Australian Dental Journalonlinelibrary.wiley.com (opens in a new tab)
- Internal tooth whitening · StatPearlsncbi.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Intracoronal tooth bleaching — A review and treatment guidelinespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
- ADA · Whiteningada.org (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Endodontists · What is a root canal?aae.org (opens in a new tab)
