Human pulpal response to bleaching procedures on vital teeth

Fifty-one human tooth pulps were evaluated histologically to determine the effect of bleaching procedures on vital teeth. Thermostatically controlled heat and 35% hydrogen peroxide were applied externally to premolars indicated for orthodontic extraction. The treatment consisted of three visits of 30 minutes' duration each. The teeth were then extracted after postoperative intervals of an hour, three days, 15 days, and 30 days. Histologic observations of the experimental groups were consistent with those of the control group. Under the conditions of this study, the bleaching of vital teeth may be considered harmless to pulpal tissue.