NON-VITAL BLEACHING VS. EXTERNAL CERVICAL RESORPTION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Non-vital bleaching is a procedure that has been used for a long time and has undeniable advantages, such as its low cost, safety for the patient and a preservative technique. However, it has been wondered what the link between internal bleaching and the apparition of root resorption is. There are many researches indicating not only different results, but also various points of views. Therefore, the aim of this literature review is to identify the articles on the theme that were published in Portuguese and in English and were indexed on PubMed, SciELO, MEDLINE and LILACS databases over the period of 1999 and 2013. And discuss, in the light of the scientific knowledge, which is the link between such procedure and the apparition of root resorption and what the professional can do to diminish the risk. Given this, it was found that root resorption is the major adverse effect of non-vital bleaching. However, there are steps that can be taken to greatly decrease this risk, like the use of the cervical cap, not use of acid before bleaching procedure and not use heat sources. Furthermore, it becomes very important to follow the case even after treatment is finished, because once the RCE is detected, treatment should be done as soon as possible.