Rubber Dam - What Is Rubber Dam
Rubber dam is a thin square sheet usually made of latex or nitrile. It’s used in dentistry to isolate the operative site from the rest of the mouth. It’s mainly used during restorative and endodontic treatments. There are several reasons a rubber dam is used such as improving the treatment site for the dentist and increasing the safety of the child by protecting entry of any foreign material during treatment.
Why Do Dentist Use Rubber Dam??
- Visiblity is much better and adds comfort to dentist and patient while working.
- Create dry and non-contaminated field from saliva and other debris during all bonded procedures.
- Improve access during dental procedures by retracting the lip, cheek, and tongue from the field of operation.
- Protects the patient from swallowing any debris such as the removal of amalgam, old porcelain, and composite.
- Increases the efficiency, productivity and reduces the time required for treatment.
Parts Of Rubber Dam:
- Rubber dam sheet – It’s available in size 6×6 for posterior teeth and 5×5 for anterior and primary detention
- Rubber dam frame - dental frame is used to stabilize and stretch the dam tightly over the teeth. Frames come in plastic as well as metal which can be sterilized.
- Rubber dam template - The dam template the assistant to place the holes in the sheet
- Rubber dam punch - The dental dam punch is used to create holes in the dental dam. The working end of the punch is used to puncture the dam for the correct hole sizes
- Rubber dam forcep - Dental Forceps are used to place and remove the dental dam clamp. The beaks of the forceps fit into the holes on the jaws of the clamp. The handles have a spring action that allows the forceps when squeezed to open up and fit over the tooth.
- Rubber dam clamp - The dam clamp holds the dental dam secure on the end nearest the tooth that is being treated. Clamps can be tied to floss for safety of the patient from swallowing if the clamp becomes dislodged during treatment.
It’s Contraindicted In Few Conditions Like:
- Teeth that is too short to hold a clamp.
- Teeth that’s not fully erupted.
- Patients who have difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
