Single Tooth Whitening
(Internal Bleaching)

Same and next-day appointments are available

Do you have a tooth that looks gray, yellow, or red compared to adjacent teeth?

Does the appearance of a discolored tooth affect your smile? More importantly, it could be a sign of an underlying root canal disease, especially If only a single tooth is affected. At Endodontic Excellence of Reston, we not only address the infection but also tackle the discolration of the tooth. Our internal bleaching, also known as single tooth whitening, can restore the natural shade of the tooth, so you can smile with confidence again.
Dr Wonhee Lee talking with patient

1. Consultation (45 minutes)

Meet one-on-one with your board-certified endodontist. Teeth can appear dark and stained for various reasons. Your consultation will include a specialized 3D x-ray (Cone Beam CT) of your teeth to understand the cause of your discoloration and ensure a highly accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

2. Comfort Amenities

Your comfort is a top priority. During your endodontic procedure, we’ll set you up with a soft blanket, aromatherapy, music, and anything else you need to feel at ease. We offer pain-free anesthesia and sedation options, including nitrous and oral sedation.

3. Internal Bleaching Procedure

Your board-certified endodontist will remove the source of discoloration and clean the internal surface of the tooth, The root canal system will be sealed to prevent leakage before a biocompatible bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth. Finally, the tooth will be sealed with a temporary filling, allowing the bleaching agent to take effect.

4. Follow-up Visit

A few days after treatment, you’ll begin to notice the shade of the tooth changing. Once it reaches the color that matches your adjacent teeth, which can take up to 2 weeks, the bleaching material can be removed from the tooth and will be ready for a permanent filling. A tooth with severe discoloration may require more than one round of internal bleaching.

Root canal experience redefined

The small things add up to something big — the very best patient experience

  • NPain-Free Anesthesia
  • NAromatherapy
  • NNetflix/Music
  • NSoft Blankets and Pillows
  • NWifi
  • NBeverage Station

Do you need a root canal?

Empowering your oral health decisions

What causes single-tooth discoloration?
The outer surface of your teeth can stain from food, beverages, smoking, or aging. Staining can be reduced with professional or at-home teeth whitening procedures. However, your tooth can also stain from the inside, deep within the tooth, as a result of:
  • Dental trauma that ruptures blood vessels within the tooth
  • Tooth decay
  • Bacteria that cause tooth infection, and debris of infected tissue
  • Metallic filling in the root canal(s)
  • Tooth resorption
  • Certain medications

What’s the difference between teeth whitening and internal bleaching?

Professional teeth whitening is often called external bleaching. The most common methods of teeth whitening are in-office laser tooth whitening and take-home whitening treatments. Internal bleaching, however, is focused inside the tooth and the whitening process and is typically reserved for people who have had a root canal.

How long will it take to see results with single tooth whitening treatment?

You’ll begin to notice your tooth brightening within a few days. If you’re dealing with a tooth that has severe discoloration, we may recommend additional rounds of internal bleaching treatment.

What should I expect as your patient?

We are committed to providing an exceptional patient experience. Our endodontists are accessible after hours and on weekends via call or text for your convenience. We also offer follow-up exams and CBCT imaging to ensure long-term success of your treatment. Discover the difference.

Connect with us

11800 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite #250
Reston, VA 20191
Get Directions

Monday–Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm

  • (703) 429-9926

Ready to experience pain-free
endodontic care?