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| Dental Dam |
A dental dam is a thin, square sheet of latex used in dentistry to isolate the operative site and protect the patient's mouth during various dental procedures. It is placed over the concerned tooth and adjacent tissues to prevent objects, materials and fluids from entering the mouth. Dental dams provide an effective barrier and contribute greatly towards patient safety.
What is a Dental Dam?
A Dental Dam is a thin, 6 inch by 6 inch sheet of latex rubber. It is often amber or gray in color for better visibility in the oral cavity. Dental dams have a hole in the center to allow access to the tooth or area being treated. They are single use items and disposed after each patient.
Besides isolation of the operative site, dental dams serve various other important functions:
- Confine flying debris and objects to a localized area during procedures like fillings, crowns, root canals etc. This prevents accidental swallowing or inhaling of objects.
- Contain moisture, saliva and blood within the dam area keeping other oral structures dry. This provides an clear, dry field of operation.
- Act as a physical barrier between the dentist/assistant’s gloves and patient’s mouth preventing cross-contamination.
- Maintain visual clarity by isolating the operative site from surrounding tissues and structures.
- Comfortable for the patient as it shields other oral areas from unpleasant sensations during sensitive procedures.
Uses of Dental Dam in Different Procedures
Restorative Procedures
During procedures involving drilling like fillings, crowns, veneers etc., a dental dam traps all particles, cuttings or objects within its area. This prevents accidental swallowing or aspiration of objects into the lungs. Moisture is contained enabling dry, clear vision and precision.
Endodontic Procedures
Root canal treatment requires complete isolation and moisture control of the root canal space. A dental dam confines irrigation solutions, medicaments and instruments used in the procedure. The isolated dry field aids intricate cleaning and shaping operations.
Periodontal Procedures
Scaling and root planing to treat gum disease may occasionally require a dental dam. It separates the operative region during ultrasonic scaling and hand instruments, keeping other areas dry.
Oral Surgery
Surgical extractions and minor oral surgeries sometime demand isolation to contain blood or debris. Dental dams facilitate visibility and control during such procedures.
Benefits of Using Dental Dam
Patient Safety
Dental dams are indispensable for patient protection during various dental treatments. Isolating the operative site prevents accidental swallowing or aspiration of objects. Loose debris, moisture and blood are contained reducing risks.
Convenience for Dentist
By providing a clear, dry field of vision, dental dams allow increased precision and control over instruments and materials used. Complex procedures can be performed with greater ease and efficiency.
Infection Control
Dental dams act as an effective barrier preventing transmission of diseases between patient and dentist. They reduce risks of cross-contamination via aerosols, spatter or direct contact during procedures.
Discomfort Control
The area isolation ability of dental dams helps limit sensory stimuli to only the tooth being treated. Other oral structures remain protected from unpleasant sensations during pain-causing operations.
Caries Prevention
Using a dental dam during operative procedures prevents debris, temporary filling materials from being pushed deeper into adjacent tooth structures or soft tissues. This contributes to lower caries incidence.
The simplicity of a dental dam belies its significance as an important infection control and patient safety device. Apart from procedural benefits, dental dams greatly reduce risks of accidental swallowing or aspiration as well as cross-contamination. Their proper usage must be advocated to maximize protection for both dentists and patients during all invasive dental therapies.
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