and achieved with an insignificant loss of surface enamel. Failure to improve the
appearance by the HCl-pumice microabrasion technique has no harmful effects and
may make it easier to mask some lesions with veneers.
523H
Fig. 10.1 (a) Characteristic appearance of fluorotic discoloration. (b) Rubber dam
isolation with bicarbonate of soda in position. (c) Application of hydrochloric
acid⎯pumice slurry with a wooden stick. (d) Appearance at 2 years' post-treatment.
10.2.2 Non-vital bleaching
This technique describes the bleaching of teeth that have become discoloured by the
diffusion into the dentinal tubules of haemoglobin breakdown products from necrotic
pulp tissue.
Indications
(1) discoloured non-vital teeth;
(2) well-condensed gutta percha root filling;
(3) no clinical or radiological signs of periapical disease.
Contraindications
(1) heavily restored teeth;
(2) staining due to amalgam.