What are the Zoom Whitening side effects?

Question

I had the ZOOM teeth whitening procedure done and I am convinced that I am going to need a gum graft after it heals. I was well protected during the procedure, however, my front gums are white and sore. Is this normal? Can ZOOM teeth whitening damage gums?

Steven Davidowitz, DDS · Answer

Zoom! in office Whitening is completed on the teeth in an isolated field.  Your dentist, I am sure, placed cheek retractors, gum protector dam, cotton rolls and cotton pads all for the purposes of protecting your gums lips and tongue.However, everyone's salivary flow is different and for those that have a high volume of saliva it is possible that during the sessions some gel has seeped through the protector and onto your gums.  This shows as white tissue and can burn and be mild to moderately painful.  Vitamin E oil helps along with warm salt water rinsing 5-6 times during the first day.I have never, in my experience, seen a case where Zoom gel caused any long term issue with the gums.  I am sure it will return to normal within a day or so. However, If three days go by and the areas are still sore and white a visit back to your dentist is warranted!

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

Do not be alarmed. Your gums that have turned white from Zoom whitening will heal within 48 hours! The cause of this was that a small portion of the bleach made its way under the protective barrier placed over your gums. When this happened, it slightly irritates the gums. They will turn white first and then turn red before healing. This is a common occurrence and things will be fine in a couple of days.

Vachik Danoukh, DMD · Answer

Hi from Reno, Nevada!  I am so sorry that this has happened to you, but it is not permanent. You there will be miserable for awhile until all heals. The Dentist or his or her assistants should have placed retractors in the cheek area and also should have placed a gum protection dam and also used cotton rolls and pads so this would not happen.  If even if there is a little leakage you will have blisters, but I assure they will subside in time. Vitamin E might help and pain relievers. I am so sorry this happened to you!  The dental assistants should have stayed with you and checked on you......Your teeth will look great, but i would next time use another product like Opalesence . Take care and it will go away soon!

Jessica Wyatt, DDS · Answer

During the zoom procedure, care is taken to isolate the soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums around the teeth, from the whitening gel. However, if saliva happens to seep under the isolation/barrier, it is possible for some of the whitening gel to come in contact with the gums, and turn them white for a short period of time. These white spots on the gums are not permanent, and typically last only 24-48 hours. Using Vitamin E can also help to treat the gums if this happens. Hope this helps!

Prashant Nanda, MDS, FICOI · Answer

We have been using Zoom Teeth Whitening at our clinics in India for years now and am extremely happy with the results its been giving my patients. 
During the procedure we isolate your gums and other tissues exposing only the teeth to be whitened, however due to varying salivary flow in patients the material can sometimes seep through the barriers and contact the gums. This leads to the white, sore gums you mentioned.
This is not permanent and usually heals within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Applying some vitamin E gel helps in fastening the healing process.

James Asaf, DDS · Answer

In my experience, having performed hundreds of Zoom Whitening procedures, not once have I had a patient experience any permanent damage to the gums, the tooth structure, or other soft tissues. You have indicated that your "front gums are white and sore", which is not unheard of immediately following the procedure. However, you have not indicated if these symptoms were examined immediately after whitening, shortly after, days after. My point is, that I would be more concerned if after a few weekends these symptoms persisted, otherwise, you're fine.Best of luck,James Asaf, DDS

Paula S. Gould, DDS · Answer

Zoom itself causes no permanent  damage in any way that I am aware. If the gums in that area turned very white and painful, it was from some of the bleach seeping under the blockout  material.  Sometimes saliva loosens the blockout, and bleach gets under. We usually recheck at each 15 minute interval, and reapply blockout if we suspect a loose seal anywhere.If it's very uncomfortable, and  you can apply aloe Vera gel frequently, and anything you take for a headache for the pain. Stay  away from acidic foods.  I have  personally never seen permanent damage, but I guess sloppy blockout technique could result in a large area of burned gum tissue.If it doesn't resolve in a few days, see a periodontal (gum) specialist.

Arthur Kezian, DDS · Answer

Zoom whitening can cause temporary sensitivity in teeth and gums, as well as sore gums if the bleach comes into contact with gums during the bleaching process. However, the gums heal in couple of days, and the teeth sensitivity will go away a few days after the bleaching treatment is complete. There are absolutely no damaging effects to the enamel, the strength of the tooth structure or gum tissue.

Kristen Berning, DDS · Answer

Based on your description, it sounds like the gums will heal after the ZOOM procedure, and you will not need a gum tissue graft. Although a block-out resin is used to protect the gums, sometimes the bleaching gel will leak under and cause a minor gum tissue burn. This will resolve and heal on its own. Keep the area clean and take Tylenol or Ibuprofen if needed. You can also open a capsule of Vitamin E and apply the Vitamin E to your gums to help resolve the discomfort and stimulate healing. If your dentist has a laser, he or she may be able to use low-level laser therapy to help the gums heal quicker.

Peter Boulden, DMD, FAGD · Answer

Typically in-office whitening systems are exceedingly safe for gum tissue because a modified resin barrier is placed over the gums.  In some instances though, some of the whitening gel can "seep" under the barrier.  This causes the gums to turn white (or oxidize).   In some causes, this will cause the gums to peel or blister in that area of exposure. Depends on the severity of the oxidation, duration, etc.
But to answer your question, it rarely happens and in-office whitening is safe and DOES NOT Cause damage to gums.

What are the Zoom Whitening side effects?

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