Tooth Whitening Sensitivity - Worrying

Hi,

In mid January 2010, yes 10 months before, I had an in-office whitening treatment with opalescence x-boost containing 38% hydrogen peroxide. Total time of application in one visit - two 15 minute and one 7 minute applications. My gums were correctly covered, no leakage at all, product was removed using suction only.

The problem: For the first 5 months I had sensitive teeth, in the sense that I felt really uncomfortable all the time, particularly when I touched them, or when I passed the tongue over them, or as they simply touched the inside of the lips. Plus, sensitive to hot beverages. No problem at all with cold drinks or ice-cream. My doctor is not convinced that this is the case. He believes that I'm overreacting and he was against the use of a desensitizing in-office treatment.

Now - minor sensitivity, not all the time, especially to the touch and to acidic drinks like fresh orange juice or hot beverages. Plus, sensitive when flossing and gums that bleed easily when flossing only. After flossing, my teeth return to almost normal in 24 - 36 hours.

I use a toothpaste with potassium nitrate.

Question 1 - Is there a specific recommended advanced treatment to deal with this problem once and for all ?

Question 2 - I'm worrying whether a potential chronic issue/inflammation might have been created ?

Question 3 - Hypothetically speaking, if hydrogen peroxide were to be carcinogenic (not proven), given the fact that in my case it did not come in contact with any mucous membrane or gingival tissue, but only with the tooth itself, would I be in any danger?

Thanks for your time,

Jim

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Have you tried a prescription toothpaste such as MI Paste or Clinpro 5000?  See if that helps with the sensitivity.

There's no real specific advanced treatment for it.  A different toothpaste may help.  

There's no danger of cancer from bleaching as far as I know when done properly like you described.  I'm sure if there is, it would be banned by the FDA or at least a warning would be issued.