ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUES IN INTERNAL BLEACHING OF TEETH WITH POST-ENDODONTIC TREATMENT DARKENING

Abstract

This study presents a critical analysis of alternative techniques used for internal bleaching of teeth that have darkened after endodontic treatment. Alignment with minimally invasive dentistry is fundamental given the risks inherent in conventional methods, such as external cervical resorption and weakening of the dental structure, frequently associated with the use of bleaching agents in high concentrations, such as hydrogen peroxide. Chromatic alteration in these teeth is commonly attributed to factors such as the persistence of tissue remnants, internal bleeding, and the extravasation of obturating materials into the pulp chamber, directly impacting the aesthetics of the smile and the patient's self-esteem. The research explores innovations aimed at greater safety and predictability in aesthetic treatment. Among the alternative approaches highlighted in the literature are the controlled application of carbamide peroxide gels in lower concentrations, which minimize the chance of external lesions, and the use of reinforced intracoronal protective barriers. Additionally, less traditional approaches, such as the use of low-intensity laser to enhance the whitening effect and ozone therapy, with its oxidizing and antimicrobial potential, are investigated from the perspective of current scientific evidence. This study, conducted through an integrative literature review, aims to compare the efficacy, safety, and clinical application of these alternative techniques in relation to traditional protocols. The result seeks to provide updated clinical guidelines, based on scientific rigor, for choosing the most appropriate therapeutic approach, ensuring the preservation of dental integrity and the achievement of lasting aesthetic results.