ORMP 1000 - Dental dam

Ms Ralephenya
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Class exercise
1. What is a dental dam?

2. Identify the following materials.

3. Practice to place the material.

Dental dam (Phinney and Halstead,

2003)

Method of isolating teeth before the placement of restorations. Placed after applying local anesthetic.

Placed to isolate one tooth or one or more quadrants.

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Dental dam placed on tooth (Google)

Advantages of dental dam use (Phinney and Halstead, 2003)

Greater visibility because of the contrast between tooth & dental dam material
Greater accessibility to operating field by retracting the gingiva, tongue, cheeks & lips Control of moisture to keep area dry to assist in etching, bonding & restoring Protection for pt from swallowing or aspirating debris during the procedure
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Advantages of dental dam use (cont.) (Phinney & Halstead, 2003)

Protection of gingiva from acid etch Improved patient management & decreased operating time Protective barrier for patient Decreased amount of contaminated aerosol exposure
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Contraindications to dental dam

(Phinney and Halstead, 2003)
Physical conditions

Concerned pts
Conditions in oral cavity

Dental dam materials (Phinney and

Halstead, 2003)
Dental dam punch Forceps Frame Dental dam napkin Tucking instruments Scissors Widgets ligature Dental dam clamp Dental dam Floss Lubricant Stabilizing cord Inverting or tucking instrument

Preparation for placing dental dam (Phinney & Halstead, 2003)

Educating patient Determining area to be isolated Dividing the dental dam Punching the dental dam
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Important issues to note (Phinney

and Halstead, 2003) Common errors when punching the dam Placement & removal procedures for the dental dam Placing the dental dam for the pediatric pt Alternatives to full dental dam placement
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References
1. Phinney, D.J. and Halstead, J.H. (2003) Delmars dental assisting: a comprehensive approach. New York: Delmar Thomson Learning

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