Sensitivity, zingers and blanching
What is normal, what is not, and what to do while the client is still in the chair.
What you will learn
- Who is most at risk and why
- What blanching is and how long it lasts
- What to do if a client reports pain mid treatment
Part three. The light, the repeats, the vitamin E and the finish.
Sensitivity
Bleaching can cause a temporary rise in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. Some people get sudden shooting pains down the middle of the front teeth. Those are called zingers.
It normally lasts no more than a day or two. In rare cases it can persist for up to a month, and then a toothpaste with potassium nitrate is the answer.
Who is most at risk
- Gum recession
- Significant cracks in the teeth
- Leakage from faulty restorations
- Naturally red hair, which is reported to carry particular risk of sensitivity and zingers
Blanching
When gel touches the gums the soft tissue turns white. That is blanching. It goes back to its normal pink in under 15 minutes.
Tell the client to brush gently for the next couple of days, because the gums may bleed or feel irritated if they are rough with them.
Pain during the treatment
If a client reports pain in one particular tooth, they may have a cavity they do not know about, or an exposed root. Tell them it is possible and recommend they see their dentist. That kind of pain usually lasts seconds or a few minutes at the start.
If the pain is coming from the gums rather than a tooth, that is blanching. Apply the vitamin E swab and carry on. The discomfort should ease.
The client who says they have sensitive teeth
Many people who tried whitening strips had a lot of sensitivity and concluded their teeth are sensitive. Most people get that from strips. Explain it to them. If they are still hesitant, tell them to brush with a sensitivity toothpaste for a couple of weeks before their appointment.
On the exam. This lesson answers questions 5, 6, 19.