Moisture Control Flashcards
What fluids may contaminate the dental environment?
- Water
- Saliva
- Blood
- Gingival exudate
Why do we need moisture control?
- Proper placement of restorations (excess fluids have detrimental effect on adhesion and / or physical properties of direct plastic rest
- Prevent contam during caries removal, direct pulp capping , RCT and adhesive bodning
- Improve pt comforts
Give the methods of how to achieve moisture control?
Aspiration - single use saliva ejector and can also help with retraction of ST
Cotton wool rolls - Absorbs fluids and retract lip and cheeks
Rubber dam - Thin sheet of latex and best for moisture control
Give some advantages and disadvantages of rubber dam placement
Advantages
- Isolates teeth from fluids
- Reduces bacterial contamination esp useful in RCT
- Pt airway protection from inhalation or swallowing instruments
- Improve direct vision
Disadvantages
- Difficult to communicate with pt
- Pt may dislike it and feel claustrophobic
- Clamps may cause post op pain and gingival bleeding