I started using a home whitening kit a couple of weeks ago and up until this morning, I didn’t notice any problems. Today, I experienced a sharp pain in my front tooth that was chipped several years ago and repaired with bonding. I think the bonding was done about ten years ago, so I am wondering if it is at a point where it needs to be replaced, but I also worry that the whitening has weakened it. — Aneesa
Aneesa,
Bleaching gel hasn’t been known to weaken bonding. If that were the case, the repaired part would probably fall off and not just be a sharp pain like you are describing.
Your tooth probably has a sensitive spot that used to be covered by bonding agent and the whitening gel is affecting it. This is a good example of the importance of a dentist’s supervision when you are whitening. Stop bleaching for now and make an appointment with your dentist so you can determine the exact root of the problem. If it is a sensitive spot, it can be coated with a product that will help with the sensitivity/pain so you can continue on with your regimen.
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