What Happens When Sensitivity Occurs During Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Who doesn’t want a brighter smile? If you want whiter teeth, you probably know about teeth whitening treatment in St. Albert.

There are two options to do so: in a dental office or at home.

Both of these use peroxide-based bleaching agents; home systems contain 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide), while the office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide, meaning, they have higher concentrations of product).

In general, the longer you keep the peroxide on your teeth, the whiter they become; nevertheless, the percentage of peroxide will determine how much time you should keep it on your teeth for. In-office systems will be applied for a shorter time, since they have higher concentrations, as we mentioned above. Keeping it on longer may dehydrate the teeth and increase sensitivity.

Each option has its benefits and disadvantages. You should always consult with your dentist in St. Albert to ensure you will opt for the most convenient one for you. Do not try at-home products before you schedule a consultation at a dental office near you.

So you have chosen a whitening method, what should you know next?

Keep in mind that not everybody experiences the same after a whitening procedure, and every case is different. Even though it is a simple treatment, you have to consider some facts. For example, people won’t see results in any teeth that have a cemented crown or filling. Another important thing to consider is the sensitivity, as some people can be more sensitive to teeth whitening treatment than others, and some patients shouldn’t even whiten their teeth. Again, consult with a professional about teeth whitening in St. Albert to make the best decision.

Before undergoing a whitening treatment, your dentist will check for the following:

• Tooth decay: If you have a cavity, your dentist will recommend you to get it repaired before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment.Why? Because the whitening gel can seep into the hole and cause serious discomfort.
• Dental restorations. As we stated before, neither crowns nor white fillings will respond to bleaching agents; therefore, all teeth will whiten except for these, so they will stand out and look aesthetic.
• Gum disease. When you have gum recession, the root of the tooth becomes exposed; tooth roots are very sensitive to brushing, sweets, cold temperatures, and, yes, bleaching products.

If you tend to have sensitivity to whitening, we recommend the following:

Sensitivity toothpaste. If you are prone to sensitivity, you shouldn’t use regular toothpaste, instead you should use tooth paste for sensitivity. There are many available, however, consult with your dentist to determine what formula will reduce your symptoms.

Reduce the frequency. If you are using at-home whitening systems, make sure to reduce their frequency if you are experiencing too much sensitivity. For instance, instead of bleaching every day, you can cut back on the frequency and only bleach every other day or every third day.

Less concentrated formulas. If you are sensitive to the average gel, you should use a less concentrated product to avoid sensitivity; however, keep in mind there are many types, and your dentist should be the one advising about the best one for you.

If you are looking for a dental clinic near you to learn more about teeth bleaching, you may contact us. Our professionals will assist you and clarify any doubts you may have. There are many products available, and every person is different, so people need to inform themselves before undergoing any procedure.

Dentin hypersensitivity is common among teeth whitening patients; however, it shouldn’t last for more than 48 hours. Don’t hesitate to receive professional assistance and avoid unnecessary discomforts.