A dental dam, or rubber dam, is a thin, flexible sheet of latex or latex-free material applied over the teeth being treated. Holes punched in the dam serve to isolate the teeth and protect them from surrounding bacteria. The dam is usually held firmly in place by a clamp to give practitioners clear and distinct visuals of the procedural field.
Typically used in endodontic procedures, a dental dam helps protect the dental pulp and the canals of the roots from exposure to bacteria in the oral cavity. It also protects exposed soft tissue from contamination during restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers.
In this article, we will explore the benefits and best practices of dental dam usage and take a look at essential products for safe, efficient dental procedures and patient comfort.
Dental dams work by isolating the procedural field from the tongue and oral cavity. While patients may find them a bit daunting, at first, dental dams offer many benefits to practitioners and patients alike. For patients, they help guard against infection and prevent the aspiration or swallowing of dental materials and irrigants. For practitioners, they aid in visualization, provide a clear contrast for image-taking, and help provide a clean, dry working area.
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) views the use of dental dams as a best practice, stating that for nonsurgical endodontic treatment, “Tooth isolation using the dental dam is the standard of care.” They conclude, “Only dental dam isolation minimizes the risk of contamination of the root canal system by indigenous oral bacteria.”
Special clamps are typically used to secure dental dams and ensure a tight fit around the tooth. They come in both winged and wingless configurations, and both styles have their benefits. A recent clinical study has shown that winged clamps may be more comfortable for patients and better prevent tissue irritation or damage, while wingless clamps may provide higher protection against liquid seepage.
The following is a selection of dental dam products to optimize patient safety and comfort and increase practitioner efficiency.
The ideal winged and wingless dental dam clamp kits feature a selection of sizes designed to fit different types of teeth in different locations in the mouth. Featuring colour-coding for easy selection, these clamps are made of hard-wearing stainless steel to firmly secure the rubber dam around the tooth. Ideal for operative and endodontic treatments, the clamp sets come in their own colour-coded stainless steel trays for time-saving organization. Designed with a matte, non-reflective finish, these clamps eliminate glare to improve visibility for the practitioner.
Brewer rubber dam clamp forceps are used to open and position a clamp around a tooth. The curved tip design facilitates secure pickup and precise placement of dam clamps, and the rounded handle ensures comfort while reaching any tooth. Designed for long-term use, the corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction makes the tool highly durable and autoclavable, allowing for simple and efficient sterilization and safety compliance.
A modern dental best practice is to use dental dams to provide optimal tooth isolation, a cleaner working environment, and comfortable protection for the patient. The result is increased patient satisfaction and practitioner efficiency, with happier smiles overall.