ABSTRACT
Intracoronal bleaching of nonvital teeth involves the use of oxidizing agents within the coronal portion of an endodontically treated tooth to remove tooth discoloration. The successful outcome depends mainly on the cause, correct diagnosis, case selection, and proper application of bleaching technique. Potential damage from the thermo/photo bleaching approach is external root resorption caused by irritation to the cementum and periodontal ligament. Thermo/photo bleaching involves placement of the oxidizing agent, usually 30–35% hydrogen peroxide, in the pulp chamber followed by heat application from electric heating devices, light application from specially designed lamps, or both. The technique involves standard endodontic therapy of a vital pulp followed by intracoronal bleaching. Clinical reports have shown that intracoronal bleaching may induce external root resorption mainly when 30–35% hydrogen peroxide is being used. Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide may affect bonding of composite resins to dental hard tissues. Root resorption may occasionally be detected as early as 6 months after bleaching.
