Isolation
Aclean moisture free field is very essential for the successful outcome of a restoration and the importance of isolation in restorative procedures is discussed here through question and answers.
1. Why is the saliva ejector used carefully?
The tip of the saliva ejector rests on the floor of the mouth. Under constant negative pressure, it can draw delicate soft tissue into the orifice resulting in a lesion. So the tip has to be inspected frequently.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 173
2. Why is a reasonably fresh rubber dam material used?
When the material has been in the shelf for 2-3 years, it detoriates and tears readily when stretched over the teeth. so a reasonably fresh dam material is essential.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 175
3. What are the advantages of a thinner dam material and heavier dam material?
The thinner dam can be easily applied and comfortable to the patient. The heavier rubber is able to retract the soft tissues and resist scuffing and tearing by the dental bur.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 176
4. Why is the placement of holes important in rubber dam application?
The holes are placed to conform to the curvature of the arch and spaced according to the distance between the teeth. the holes are not punched until they are positioned and marked on the rubber.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 180
5. What happens if the holes are placed too closely?
If the holes are placed very closely or not aligned properly, they will fit over the teeth but will be stretch to the side, permitting leakage of saliva.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 180
6. What is the effect of the holes made too far apart?
Holes that are made too far apart have excess of rubber in between and it gets puckered between the teeth.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 180
7. Why is it better to include more number of teeth during dam application for operative procedures?
More number of teeth is included for dam application because it makes more teeth to protrude through the rubber which gives a better access, reflects the lips and provides dry teeth for finger rests.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 183
8. How is the rubber dam punch maintained?
The punch must be well oiled. Never be autoclaved and should be stored in a dry place.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 183
9. How should the fit of the clamp be checked before clamp application?
The clamp to be used should not be dislodged by the pull of the rubber against the bow. If a clamp can be dislodged by the mirror handle. A more secure clamp is selected. As a safety precaution, a dental tape or floss can be tied to the clamp to prevent dislodgement and aspiration of the clamp.
Ref: Lloyd Baum,Ralph W.Phillips,Melvin R.Lund.Textbook of Operative Dentistry.W.B.Saunders company;1985; 185