What is a rubber dam?
A rubber dam is a rectangular elastic cloth that is used in dentistry, traditionally for root canal treatment, but also when performing adhesive dentistry. The main function is to isolate the treated tooth from oral saliva and bacteria during treatment. The cloth (rubber dam) is attached with a holder around the teeth to be treated and remains in place during the entire treatment. After the treatment, the cloth is easily removed.
What are the biggest advantages of using a rubber dam?
I think rubber dam insulation has great advantages for both patient and dentist, but also significantly increases the quality of the work performed. For example, the patient avoids rinsing water flowing to the back of the throat, and many describe the feeling “as if the dental care is taking place outside the mouth”. As a dentist, I get an accessible dry and aseptic (bacteria-free) work area. In adhesive dentistry, such as filling therapy and cementation of crowns, a dry environment can be ensured and thus a better result can be achieved. The risk of the patient getting something down the throat is also minimized by using a rubber dam.
Why don't you think all dentists work with rubber dams?
In what way has using a rubber dam changed your everyday life at the clinic?
Personally, I love working with rubber dams! I see details that cannot be seen without isolating the area with a cofferdam. The work thus becomes much more accurate. Rubber dams give me full control over the teeth I treat and less stress by gently keeping saliva and mucous membranes away.
What advice would you like to give to dentists who currently do not have much experience with rubber dams?
Take a course on the subject – I did! Ask other dentists who work with rubber dams about what to think about! The community on Instagram is amazing.
Search: #rubberdam #rubberdamfam #rubberdamology
Practice, practice, practice!
If you have questions or concerns about rubber dams, both patients and dentists are welcome to email them to: [email protected]
