Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 1

Initial situation. Patient presented with esthetically insufficient direct restorations on both upper central incisors, discolored and root canal filled right central incisor, due to a previous trauma. Different treatment options were discussed with the patient, who preferred a conservative treatment option. The initial plan was to bleach the right central with the walking bleach technique, and replace the composite restorations .

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 2

During the initial examination, an OPG was made to have a general overwiev of the situation. Looking at tooth 11, the root filling seems to be correct and no periapical pathology is visible. Furthermore, we can see a very large coronal access cavity, partially filled by guttapercha, what can presumably cause the coronal discoloration.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 3

At the first appointment, the coronal restoration was removed from tooth no. 11 to prepare the space for the internal bleaching. Tip: Make sure that all composite material is removed from the pulp chamber, what could otherwise inhibit proper penetration of bleaching material to the dentin. Upon visual inspection, the apical part of the pulp chamber was filled with guttapercha, the root canal filling was done with single cone technique, and the rest of the canal was full of softened sealer material. Therefore I decided to proceed with root canal retreatment prior to further treatment. As there was no visible periapical pathology present, the new root canal filling was done straight after shaping and desinfection of the canal.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 4

The canal was shaped with reciprocating instruments, and filled with warm guttapercha and vertical condensation technique. At the same visit, a rmGIC (Fuji II LC, GC) barrier was placed 1.5 mm apically from the mid-facial FGM to prevent apical penetration of the bleaching material and minimize the possibility of internal resorption. Internal bleaching gel (Opalescence Endo, Ultradent) was placed in the pulp chamber and a rmGIC temporary filling was placed.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 5

The bleaching material was left in place for 5 days and replaced 2 times. After sufficient bleaching effect was achieved, 2% CHX soultion was placed in the pulp chamber for 2 weeks to prevent possible negative effects of the bleaching material on bond strength. This was the situation before replacement of composite restorations. Possible changes of tooth shape were discussed with the patient, who preferred not to change the length of the central incisors. Therefore I decided to make a silicon impression from this situation and used it as a palatal silicon index after smoothing it with diamond burs.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 6

Shade selection was done prior to dehydration of teeth. Small composite samples were placed on tooth surfaces, light cured and assessed.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 7

Lateral view. Note the white spots on the adjacent teeth.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 8

After rubber dam placement, the remaining old restorations are completely removed. A palatal butt joint margin is prepared, however on the vestibular side, a 1-1.5 mm long bevel is prepared and finished. Remaining unsupported enamel prisms are removed.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 9

Incisal view after removal of old restorations. After careful functional assessment and analysis of the remaining tooth substance, I decided not to place a fiber post. Tip: In order to have a comfortable access on the palatal part and a precise seating of the silicone index, make sure the rubber dam is perfectly invaginated arount the teeth with floss.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 10

 

Adjacent teeth are protected with teflon tape from etchant and adhesive. Enamel and dentin surfaces are etched for 30s and 15s respectively and rinsed thoroughly. Tip: Extending the etching a little beyond the prepared surface prevents discoloration or damage of restoration margins without clinically compromising the integrity of the tooth.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 11

A 4th generation adhesive is used (Optibond FL, Kerr).

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 12

After the endodontic access cavity is filled with dentine composite, the palatal enamel layer (Essentia LE, GC) is placed with the help of the silicone index.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 13

Next, the interproximal enamel is placed.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 14

The dentin composite (Essentia MD, GC) is placed in one increment due to the favourable C-factor and improved physical properties of the material. Sufficient space for enamel is controlled with the LM Arte Misura instrument. In this case, the dentin layer is extended almost to the incisal edge to imitate slight wear present in adult teeth.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 15

Small white spot effects are imitated with tints. Composite tints have to be used wery sparingly, as they become more evident after final polishing of the restoration.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 16

Final enamel layer (Essentia LE, GC) is placed. Material is shaped with a flat brush to achieve proper facial anatomy. This way, less finishing will be needed and a more compact surface can be achieved.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 17

The restorations are finished and polished. By creating a natural surface texture, we can hide the transition between the tooth and the restoration.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 18

Final result after rehydration of the teeth.

Nonvital tooth bleaching and composite restorations
Fig. 19

Final result after rehydration of the teeth.

Conclusions

In my practice, patients with discolored endodontically treated teeth are often aiming for more invasive treatments to solve their problems, mostly due to repeated failure of direct resin restorations and internal bleaching attempts.
However the literature shows us, that by following proper indications and strict clinical protocols, these teeth can be treated succesfully with conservative direct restorations. The advantage of such treatment option in young patients is, that more invasive treatments can be delayed for later.

Bibliography

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