External bleaching therapy with activation by heat, light or laserÛA systematic review

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External bleaching therapy with activation by heat, light or laserÛA systematic review
Dental Materials
Volume 23, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 586-596

Wolfgang Buchalla, a, b, and Thomas Attin,a, b,
a Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University of Z?rich, Plattenstrasse 11, CH-8032 Z?rich, Switzerland
b Department of Operative Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry and Periodontology, Georg-August-University Gàttingen, Gàttingen, Germany
Contact Author: thomas.attin@zzmk.unizh.ch

Received 17 October 2005; revised 4 March 2006; accepted 9 March 2006. Available online 3 July 2006.

Abstract

Objective
External bleaching procedures utilizing highly concentrated 30Ò35% hydrogen peroxide solutions or hydrogen peroxide releasing agents can be used for tooth whitening. To enhance or accelerate the whitening process, heat-activation of the bleaching agent by light, heat or laser is described in the literature. The aim of the present review article was to summarize and discuss the available information concerning the efficacy, effects and side effects of activated bleaching procedures.

Sources
Information from all original scientific full papers or reviews listed in PubMed or ISI Web of Science (search term: (bleaching OR brightening OR whitening OR colour) AND (light OR laser OR heat OR activation)) were included in the review.

Data
Existing literature reveals that activation of bleaching agents by heat, light or laser may have an adverse effect on pulpal tissue due to an increase of intra-pulpal temperature exceeding the critical value of 5.5 ?C. Available studies do not allow for a final judgment whether tooth whitening can either be increased or accelerated by additional activation.

Conclusion
Therefore, application of activated bleaching procedures should be critically assessed considering the physical, physiological and patho-physiological implications.

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