Moisture Control Flashcards
What is a Dental Dam used for?
- Dental dam is essential for effective isolation from salivary bacteria, as well as protection of the airway.
- It is the gold standard method of moisture control.
What Equipment is used for a Dental Dam?
- A thin sheet of latex (Dental dam)/ non-latex
- A dental dam punch
- Dental dam forceps
- One of two types of frame
- An assortment of clamps / wedgets
- A supply of waxed floss
What is the Dam itself?
•The dam itself is a thin sheet of latex/ non-latex – generally supplied in 6-inch squares – which is used to form a watertight junction around the cervical margin of the tooth so excluding moisture from the operative field.
What does a punch do?
hole is punched in the dam through which the selected tooth crown passes, so isolating the tooth from the rest of the mouth
What doe a dental dam clamp do?
consist of two blades engaging the cervical margin of the tooth and joined by a connector of springy steel ( the bow)
What are the 2 main types of clamps?
- Winged
- Non winged
What is the dental clamp used fpr?
- On the clamp, next to the blades, are found the points of attachment – either holes or notches – for the dental dam forceps.
- Using the forceps the clamp is applied to the tooth and removed afterwards
What must you do before placing the dam?
Make sure floss can fit throu interproximal contacts
•As clamps have been know to fracture what should you do in the mouth
•As clamps have been know to fracture they should not be placed in the mouth unless secured with floss or first attached by their wings to the rubber dam
Where must the bow of the clamp be facing when applied?
Most of the time it must be facing DISTAL
What method can dams be secured without clamps?
•Dam can be secured with wedgets, wedges, floss or with small sections of cut dam flossed interdentally.
see wedgets in photo
How do you ensure a seal?
The operator stretches the dam away from the tooth whilst the assistant directs a stream of cold air from the triple syringe onto the mucosa. With the use of a flat plastic instrument the margin of the rubber dam may be tucked into the gingival crevice, providing a tight seal.
What is put under the dam to ensure patient comfort?
A saliva ejector is slipped under the dam to ensure patient comfort.
What is Expasyl?
- Paste for temporary gingival retraction
- Astringent and haemostatic properties, by compression
- Allows dry gingival sulcus to be achieved
