Its function is to insulate the teeth being treated from the surrounding oral environment – saliva, tongue, cheek. In this way it provides a comfortable and above all dry work field, without the moist that could jeopardize the treatment.
Although nowadays no self demanding dentist can renounce using it, the rubber dam is not new: it was invented in 1864 by New York dentist Dr. Sandford C Barnum.
It consists of a thin sheet of latex (vinyl in latex allergy cases) fixed around one or several teeth by clamps. It’s placement takes a few minutes.
Why is the use of a rubber dam so important? Two examples:
Fillings: The use of the rubber dam is essential in order to avoid the failing of the aesthetic composite fillings, as the composite layer technique requires an environment free of moist, hard to obtain in any other way.
Root canal treatment: Without the rubber dam, the saliva contaminates the dental canal system and the treatment almost certainly fails.
As a plus, the rubber dam avoids potentially serious accidents as the swallowing or even worse, lung aspiration of the tiny instruments used during the treatment.
Using the rubber dam also avoids the nasty sensation of liquid accumulating at the back of the throat, and the constant need to swallow. The patient feels much more relaxed and secure.
In short, the rubber dam is the ideal complement if one wants to achieve excellence in ones treatments and to keep the patient safe from potentially serious accidents.
It’s understandable many of our patients’ reaction: “What a big idea! Is it something new?
Well, as new as the washing machine (XIX century), and I would say at least as useful!
The video will help you to better understand it’s use and it’s function.
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