5 Reasons Why Dental Dam Should Be Used For Dental Treatments

What is dental dam you may ask. Well, in simple terms it is a rubber sheet (usually non latex) that acts as a 'drape' for your teeth. It keeps your lips, tongue, cheeks and saliva out of the way for dental treatment. The dam also makes dental treatments more comfortable as you do not have to worry about anything dropping into the back of the mouth or inhaling any tiny objects however the small the risk. If you have a dental anxiety, the dental dam will provide peace of mind that everything possible is being done for your safety and the best possible outcome.

Here are 5 good reasons why dental dam should be used during dental treatments:

It is essential during root canal treatment to protect the airways and protect the tissues from the irritants used during the treatment. Root canal treatment is a highly skilled procedure and optimal vision is essential. By using the dental dam, the endodontist will be able to just concentrate on the tooth being treated using a dental microscope without the distraction of the adjacent teeth, the soft tissues and tongue. Root canal treatment simply should not be done without the dental dam.

Removing old amalgam fillings releases mercury vapour. Dental dam protects the airways and prevents ingestion of the amalgam residue. Although we do not place amalgam fillings ( we haven't done so for over 15 years!), removing them is often required due to secondary decay, cracks around the fillings, marginal leakage, sensitivity and breakages. We remove amalgam restorations in a certain way so that they are taken out in bulk rather than by polishing them away. This reduces the release of mercury vapour and means less tooth is damages during the removal. Dental dam aids this by preventing any amalgam dropping into the floor of the mouth and allows our assistants to use high speed suction directly around the tooth without having to worry about the tongue or soft tissues.

When treating lower teeth, the tongue has a mind of its own. Dental dam will keep it at bay and protect it from the dental drill. The tongue is highly vascular and has many pain receptors. If you have ever bitten your tongue, you will know how sore this can be! This is completely eliminated with the use of rubber dam and will again give you peace of mind that your safety is our number one concern.

When placing white fillings, moisture control is essential for proper bonding. Dental dam will maintain a moisture free zone for total isolation. During a composite filling treatment, often more than one tooth will be isolated with the dam so that the filling can be placed properly with good contacts points to the adjacent tooth or teeth. If saliva or blood contaminates the field, the bonding between the composite and underlying tooth will be impaired and this can lead to problems in the future.

Visibility is key during dental treatment. The use of dental dam enhances the key field of view and allows for better dental treatment. After all, if you cannot see, you cannot treat!

The procedure is quick and simple. Firstly, markings will be made on the sheet to mark the tooth or teeth in question. A punch is then used to make very fine precise holes in the sheet. A clamp will be used on one tooth to secure the dam down and we normally use a plastic one which is comfortable on the gum line. Floss with then be used to seal the dam down in between the teeth if multiple teeth are being treatment. The final act is to use a framework either under or over the sheet and then tuck the sheet under your nose. This should all take about one minute.

If you would like to discuss any treatments with us, please contact us or arrange a free video call. We are always happy to talk you through any dental treatment prior to making your first appointment.