Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

Everyone desires a whiter, brighter, and more attractive smile. This can be achieved through teeth whitening treatments. These are performed at home or a dental office providing teeth whitening near you. However, people with sensitive teeth experience excess irritation during teeth whitening. Read on to learn how professional teeth whitening benefits sensitive teeth.

What Does Professional Teeth Whitening Involve?

Professional teeth whitening is a safe, effective method for brightening a smile. It is performed in a dental office by professionals such as a dentist in Stockton. The expert uses a highly concentrated bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide. It combines with oxygen to weaken and eliminate tooth stains.

The dentist may use lasers or LED lights to accelerate the whitening process. First, they apply the whitening gel and leave it for about an hour. Afterward, they expedite the process with lasers or lights. This helps them eliminate various types of stains for a whiter smile.

They will take precautions to prevent enamel damage and gum irritation from the bleaching agents. In-office whitening helps you achieve a brighter smile in a shorter time. In addition, the procedure produces better and longer-lasting results.

Advantages of In-Office Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

Some people have sensitive teeth due to receding gums, gingivitis, or fractures. Therefore, dentists do not recommend at-home teeth whitening for them. It is because the agents in the whitening products will cause intense sensitivity. Also, they may use the products differently than prescribed, increasing sensitivity.

When you go to a dentist for teeth whitening, they will first examine your teeth and gums. The exam will help determine if you have oral issues that may cause extra tooth sensitivity. They will check if you have infected gums, damaged enamels, or exposed tooth roots.

Once they notice either of these issues, they may postpone the whitening procedure. In the meantime, they will provide the appropriate treatments to reduce sensitivity. Alternatively, they may perform the whitening treatment. However, they will take extra precautions to avoid sensitivity. The extent of your oral issues will help them decide the best option for you.

Methods to Reduce Sensitivity During and After Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening treatments should be comfortable with excellent results. Therefore, the experts at Stockton teeth whitening take precautions to minimize sensitivity. Some methods dentists use to reduce sensitivity are highlighted below.

• When the dentist notices you have sensitive teeth, they will not whiten them. Instead, they will prescribe desensitizing toothpaste to minimize sensitivity. You will use it for about a week and then undergo the whitening process.
• The dentist may use desensitizing products like potassium nitrate during the whitening process. They will apply the effects to your whitening tray before placing it on your teeth.
• After whitening, the dentist will apply fluoride varnish to your teeth. Fluoride will build up and strengthen the enamel preventing sensitivity.
• The dentist will ensure that the bleaching agent is not left on the teeth for an extended period. It is because this may increase sensitivity. Instead of performing the entire treatment simultaneously, they will break it into shorter sessions.
• They will place a barrier on the gum line if your sensitivity stems from your gums. It will keep the bleaching agent from touching your gums and causing sensitivity.
• The dentist may advise you to use anti-inflammatory agents to reduce sensitivity. These include over-the-counter products like Motrin®️ and Advil®️.
• Also, they will ask you to avoid cold or hot foods and beverages before and after the treatment. They aggravate sensitive teeth causing intense pain.
• They will prescribe suitable desensitizing toothpaste or gels to use after teeth whitening. These will reduce sensitivity allowing you to resume your regular diet and activities.
• Finally, they will advise you to use a straw when taking drinks that may irritate your teeth. It prevents the liquids from making contact with your teeth and causing sensitivity.

Get a More Brilliant Smile Today!

Are you considering teeth whitening near you? Then contact us at Lakefront Smiles. Our experts will scrutinize your teeth before the whitening treatment. They will determine if you have any underlying oral issues that increase the risk of teeth sensitivity. They will address the problems and continue the whitening treatment if you do.