Endodontics · single question
A 26-year-old male had a tooth extruded. The crown of a discolored tooth is visible in the photo. What is the internal bleaching material of choice?
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Correct answer: C. Sodium perborate
For INTERNAL bleaching (walking bleach technique) of endodontically treated teeth, SODIUM PERBORATE is the material of choice when used as the primary bleaching agent placed inside the pulp chamber between appointments. It is safer than concentrated hydrogen peroxide for internal bleaching because it produces lower peroxide concentrations and has a lower risk of cervical root resorption compared to 30% hydrogen peroxide (Superoxol). Sodium perborate + water or sodium perborate + 3% H2O2 can be used.
- A. INCORRECT. Carbamide peroxide is used for EXTERNAL bleaching (tray bleaching, take-home systems). It is not the material of choice for internal bleaching of endodontically treated teeth.
- B. INCORRECT. Hydrogen peroxide CAN be used for internal bleaching, but concentrated H2O2 (Superoxol/30%) significantly increases the risk of cervical root resorption — sodium perborate is the preferred, safer material.
- C. CORRECT. Sodium perborate is the material of choice for internal bleaching (walking bleach technique). It releases H2O2 slowly at low concentrations, providing effective bleaching with minimal risk of cervical root resorption.