Pulpal Reaction to Vital Bleaching

The vital tooth bleaching incorporates 10% carbamide solution in different modifications. Initial reaction of the pulp to bleaching includes less distinction of cell free zone in areas on facial surface of the teeth; the cells migrate to these areas. Scattered leucocytes are observed along with irregularities in the pseudostratified odontoblastic layer. Only slight pulp reaction is observed. In any case even high concentration of the carbamide etc. does not produce moderate or severe reactions. Few authors are of the view that using higher concentration of the hydrogen peroxide and the heat is potentially harmful to pulp. The changes in pulp tissue are reversible after or within two weeks time. Therefore, two weeks of treatment with 10% carbamide peroxide used for nightguard vital bleaching is considered safe for the pulp.