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A rubber dam is used mainly in endodontic treatment and when putting fillings into teeth. They are thin squares of latex rubber. Silicone versions are available for those with latex allergies.
The main function is to isolate the tooth being treated from its environment, in particular from the bacteria in the oral cavity.
The rubber dam is held over individual teeth or groups of teeth by appropriate rubber dam clamps or threads (ligatures) along the edge of the gum. The tooth crown stands out from the rubber dam through individual holes made by a hole punch. This permits a clean and dry operative field, retracts the lips and cheeks, and enables treatment of the appropriate tooth without contamination from blood or saliva. Another function of the rubber dam is to protect the patient's airway from any materials which may fall down there during treatment.
Routine use of dental dams is not always appropriate because of some difficulties that can occur. For instance, communication with the patient is significantly reduced and the patient may feel restricted. However for endodontic procedures it is considered mandatory. For adhesive dentistry procedures involving bonding dental composite, it is to be encouraged, as the operative field must avoid moisture contamination in order to get maximum bond strength from restorative material to tooth substance.
The placement of the rubber dam may feel a little awkward for the first minute or so, yet you will be able to swallow and breathe normally behind it. The dam is placed loosely on the frame to allow for easier placement in the mouth. The clamp is placed and secured around the tooth. Starting from the anteriors, the rubber dam is placed between the teeth with floss. Wooden wedges are placed between the teeth to protect the gum tissue and stop the dam from getting caught up in the equipment.
There are many benefits to using a rubber dam.
It acts as a raincoat for your teeth and it limits bacterial laden splash and splatter of saliva and blood.
It restricts drowning response during rinsing the mouth in a procedure.
It serves as a barrier, so your throat is protected from debris and tiny instruments from being swallowed or inhaled.
It isolates and protects the area that needs to be worked on and it improves accessibility and visibility of the working area.
The rubber dam also helps to avoid unnecessary contamination through infection control.
Helps to protect your gag reflex area from being triggered.
It protects the lips and cheeks by keeping them out of the way.
Helps to keep your tongue out of the way of the work area so it is not harmed.
Keeps teeth saliva free while performing a root canal, so the tooth does not get re-contaminated by the bacteria that is in saliva.
You don't have to concentrate on staying open or positioning your tongue out of the work area.
Gives you peace of mind that objects will not fall into your throat.
Houston Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
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