There are not many risks for teeth whitening when performed professionally by a dentist. However, understanding the process and whether or not teeth whitening could be harmful is helpful in deciding if treatment is appropriate for you.
Increased tooth sensitivity, gum irritation and swelling are the most notable risks of teeth whitening, although these risks are rare and typically not severe when they do exist. This review offers a more in-depth look at each risk and how professional, in-office teeth whitening can prevent the side effects from developing.
Many patients experience little to no tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening. If sensitivity does develop, it is typically minor and goes away within 48 hours. Minor sensitivity is not a cause for concern, although severe sensitivity or if it continues for an extended period of time may require a follow-up visit with the dentist. To deal with minor to moderate sensitivity, the dentist may recommend a special toothpaste or other forms of safe symptom relief treatment.
Gum irritation and swelling are rare with professional teeth whitening, especially if it is performed in-chair by the dentist or dental hygienist. However, take-home kits could lead to gum irritation and swelling if it is not performed correctly. Mild gum irritation and swelling is not a serious concern, but it is likely a sign the gums are being exposed to the bleaching agent. If any gum complications develop during or after in-office teeth whitening, then let your dentist know to ensure any issues are resolved as soon as possible.
As mentioned, there are two types of professional teeth whitening, which are in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits. Both are effective when performed correctly, although each has its own pros and cons. The benefits of in-office teeth whitening include faster results, results that last longer and a safer treatment process as the dentist can monitor the treatment. Take-home kits are more convenient for some, although the results are not quite as effective or long-lasting.
Teeth whitening is ideal for patients who have good oral health that want to improve the brightness and overall appearance of their smile. Patients who have weakened enamel or dental cavities may require treatment to fix the oral health concern before they are able to receive professional, in-office teeth whitening. The best way to determine if teeth whitening is appropriate is to discuss the treatment option with a general dentist. They can answer your questions and put together a treatment plan that involves professional teeth whitening any other cosmetic services you desire.
You can schedule a consultation visit to get the teeth whitening process started with our team today. Give us a call and we are glad to answer your questions and set up a convenient time for you to visit our dental team for teeth whitening treatment (as well as for other dental needs you may have).
Request an appointment here: https://www.esdmke.com or call Eastside Dental at (414) 888-4000 for an appointment in our Milwaukee office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Milwaukee, WI.
It is helpful to have an in-depth understanding of teeth whitening before starting treatment. In general, teeth whitening performed in-office is a safe procedure with few risks, and knowing more about the process and what to expect can help you mentally and physically prepare for the procedure. There are certain questions that general dentists receive regularly.…
A bright, white smile is an attribute that virtually every person desires, and teeth whitening toothpaste is one way to achieve it. The main obstacle standing in the way of a white smile is the constant bombardment of our teeth by food and drink. Darkly colored foods and beverages can stick around and yellow the…
There are many ways to whiten your teeth. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you and thus everyone desires to have whiter teeth and a more radiant smile. When making a first impression, most people tend to worry about having discolored, aged or crooked teeth, which can send an impression…
Wanting to fix the issue of your discolored teeth? While it is completely understandable that you would want your teeth to be whiter and brighter so you can have a more pleasant smile, sometimes teeth that are discolored can be a sign of health problems. This is why it is so important to visit a…
Implant supported dentures are becoming a popular tooth replacement option. They are known to replace entire arches of teeth, whether it be the top or bottom. However, because tooth replacement can be complex, many individuals are curious as to how successful the process is for upper teeth. Continue reading to find out! Below is a quick…
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…