Rubber dam is a thin sheet, typically made of latex or silicone, used in various dental procedures to isolate one or more teeth from other parts of the oral cavity.
Today, the use of rubber dam in dentistry is increasingly recommended, both for facilitating the dentist’s work and for providing a more comfortable feeling and relaxation for the patient themselves.
Once the number of teeth to be isolated during a specific dental procedure is determined, the rubber dam is placed and secured with a metal frame and clamp that fix it to the designated area. The purpose of using rubber dam is to prevent the entry of bacteria from saliva or microorganisms from the oral cavity into the root canal of the tooth, as this would only complicate and compromise the process of tooth treatment and healing.
Advantages of rubber dam placement in dentistry
All dental procedures require a sterile and dry working field. In everyday practice, various methods of working field isolation are used, such as retraction cord, cellulose pads, and cotton rolls, in combination with the use of suction and aspirators. Such isolation methods provide a relatively dry working field. However, by using rubber dam, an absolutely dry working field is achieved and its contamination by saliva, gingival fluid, or blood is prevented. Rubber dam, therefore, protects against any liquid coming into contact with the oral mucosa, keeping the working field dry, which contributes to better bonding and retention of composite, cement, and adhesives.
Rubber dam placement is significant in tooth whitening, placement of ceramic inlays and onlays, as well as in veneer placement. Rubber dam also protects against hot and sharp instruments, preventing injury to the oral cavity, ensures better visibility of the tooth during the procedure, and protects the patient’s airway—significantly reducing the possibility of the patient inhaling or swallowing tooth fragments or pieces of material that fall out during the replacement of old fillings. When using rubber dam, various harmful chemical substances, such as mercury from amalgam fillings, cannot come into contact with the oral cavity.
Rubber dam placement has many advantages. Besides allowing the dentist to work in a dry and sterile environment, many patients claim to feel more comfortable and relaxed with rubber dam, especially when the dentist explains potential risks.
It is very common for patients to become tired during longer procedures and have difficulty controlling their tongue muscles. You should not worry about this with rubber dam, because your tongue is completely isolated and protected, and you can also move it freely. Under rubber dam, you can also breathe normally through both your nose and mouth.
Take care of your tooth health! If you have any doubts or questions, schedule an examination, and the professional team at the DentalVortex dental office will make an effort to make this experience as comfortable as possible!