CASE 3

Selective Tooth Whitening

In some cases, only one tooth becomes darker than the others, often following trauma or root canal treatment.

Depending on the situation, selective whitening can be performed either internally or externally using peroxide-based products.

For root canal–treated teeth, an internal whitening protocol may be indicated. After placing a protective seal over the root canal filling to ensure proper isolation, a low-concentration whitening agent is introduced inside the tooth. The active component is typically carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and releases oxygen molecules that neutralize internal pigments and gradually lighten the tooth from within.

If the tooth is still vital or the discoloration is more superficial, external whitening may be sufficient. In this case, professional gels based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are applied selectively using a transparent custom tray for several weeks.



In both approaches, carefully controlled peroxide concentrations allow progressive lightening while preserving healthy tooth structure.