Teeth Whitening: Q&A
Ask a QuestionHow Long Will the Pain Last from Tooth Whitening?
I had the procedure done this morning at 11am and I am in the worst pain I have ever been in. I read one comment from a patient who experienced pain for a year...is that possible? Thanks
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13 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
nikkid
in California
+3
Pain after Zoom
Some patients will have pain after Zoom. It will last the first 24 hours and then will be back to normal. We have been giving patients pain medicine in the office before the treatment to make the experience so much nicer. This does not help you now!. Try to take some Alleve and call the Dentist office and ask for a something for pain. Try to keep air off of your teeth as this makes the teeth sensitive.
+3
One year is too long for teeth whitening pain
Sensitivity is common with in-office whitening procedures. The sensitivity ranges from no sensitivity at all, to very sensitive. In the office we do this procedure daily. If a patient becomes sensitive I have not seen it last more than 24 to 48 hours. If sensitivity persists past that time there could have been underlying conditions that may have been triggered and I suggest seeing your dentist promptly. The best remedy is an NSAID like Advil or Aleve. Typically our patients are given an...
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Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
+2
Temporary Pain After Tooth Whitening
It is common to experience pain during and after tooth whitening, but it will go away after couple days.
Patients who have sensitive teeth to begin with or active decay, gum recession and enamel abrasion, will need to be placed on Fluoride regiment prior to whitening, and all the active decay areas have to be treated before the whitening treatment can begin. Take home bleaching with custom trays administered for 3-5 days is more effective and less sensitive then...
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+1
Sensitivity After Zoom Whitening
It is very common for patients to develop post operative sensitivity for 8-10 hours following any laser whitening procedure. We typically give the patient 400-600mg of Advil prior to the procedure to keep the pain to a minimum. Not everyone has sensitivity , but a good portion of patients do. As far a your the person you read about being sensitive for a year, I doubt that this was from the whitening. I have never had a patient have sensitivity even for 48 hours,...
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+1
12 to 24 hours in most cases
Normally post-whitening sensitivity is worst the first few hours after the procedure and should gradually subside in 12 hours or less. If it persists beyond that, there is likely gum recession and exposed roots of some of the teeth which makes them much more sensitive. However if that is the case, the sensitivity should go away within a few days.
+1
Pain or sensitivity after whitening
Some patients note an increase in sensitivity during and/or after teeth whitening. This condition is usually of short duration, lasting a day or two before returning to normal. Using a tooth whitening product which contains fluoride can help reduce the risk of post whitening sensitivity. Patients in our office who have a history of sensitivity prior to whitening are often instructed to use a high strength topical fluoride for several days prior to and after the...
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Springfield Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Tooth bleaching does NOT have to cause pain
In my personal experience, the Deep Bleaching system I use in my office with AcquaBrite bleach in the office and then having the patient do at home bleaching with Nite White, using the same custom trays, works incredibly well. Patients get at least 10 shades lighter in 2 weeks with no sensitivity in general. Even patients who have been told they can't whiten have had tremendous results with our protocol. One in office bleaching session just does not work to get long lasting,...
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+1
No pain from tooth whitening!
Properly administered and asking the patient the right questions to understand the history should result in no pain with whitening. A small percentage of people experience sensitivity for a few days. Once an individual's tolerance and threshold is understood, a customized program can be developed to whiten without any pain. Techniques include prescription strength Fluoride toothpaste prior to treatment, removal of all decay and covering sensitive areas prior to treatment. Everyone...
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+1
Patient selection is key
We have never had such a problem. Patient selection is key. We do not Zoom patients with a lot of tissue recession, or sensitive teeth. Prior to treatment we ask all of this in detail and I personally review this with the patient along with helping them understand what result they may expect. Occasionally patients will need Motrin the first day but only that day.
+1
Pain from tooth whitening usually lasts 24 hours
Most whitening sensitivity is from dehydration of the teeth, and they will rehydrate within 24 hours. Ibuprofen or Acetominophen usually is enough to get through.
If it hurts for a year, something ELSE is wrong.
When done right, with the right products, teeth can get very white. Some methods out there are only moderately (to NOT) effective, but still dehydrated. Pain does NOT necessarily mean "working".
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Comments (2)
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
Im not sure of the severity compared to what I felt, but after visiting an emergency dentist in San Diego they recommended clove oil as an alternative to pain killers, I basically would rub it around the area to ease pain, I haven't tried it but it might be another option if things arent working.