Revista Portuguesa de Estomatologia, Medicina Dentária e Cirurgia Maxilofacial · Published 2026-06-30 · DOI 10.24873/j.rpemd.2026.06.1578
Sinem Özvatan, Deniz Yanık Nalbantoğlu
Discoloration of the anterior teeth with pulp canal obliteration (PCO) presents a significant clinical and aesthetic challenge, often impacting an individual’s quality of life. This case series describes the clinical application of the walking bleaching technique in discolored maxillary anterior teeth with PCO, and reports the observed clinical outcomes and patient-reported aesthetic perceptions. This case series comprised 7 patients (6 females, 1 male) aged 19 to 42 years. A total of 9 teeth were treated. The chief complaint of all patients was discoloration. Discolored maxillary anterior teeth were managed with walking bleaching. A cervical barrier of 2-mm glass ionomer cement was applied. 35% hydrogen peroxide was placed for 1 to 5 appointments, 3 days apart, followed by calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] for one week. Then, composite restoration was performed. Follow-up periods of up to 14 months showed no symptoms. In all teeth, improved tooth appearance was clinically observed, and patients reported satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. The technique was applied in complex clinical scenarios, including cases with total PCO confirmed by conebeam computed tomography, where conventional endodontic access was not feasible. No clinical or radiographic evidence of symptomatic inflammation or cervical resorption was observed during follow-up. Within the limitations of this case series, walking bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide is a minimally invasive treatment option for discolored maxillary anterior teeth, including in total PCO. While clinicians must adhere to regional safety regulations, including the placement of a cervical barrier and Ca(OH)2, this approach offers a conservative alternative to prosthetic rehabilitation.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Özvatan, S., Nalbantoğlu, D. (2026). Management of discolored maxillary anterior teeth with/without pulp canal obliteration: a case series. Revista Portuguesa de Estomatologia, Medicina Dentária e Cirurgia Maxilofacial. https://doi.org/10.24873/j.rpemd.2026.06.1578