Dental Dam Uses and Definitions

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Questions and Answers

What is the dental dam?

It is a stretchable latex or non-latex material that acts as a barrier when applied to select teeth.

What are the indications for use of a dental dam?

Infection control barrier, safeguard the patient's mouth, protect from accidentally inhaling or swallowing debris, protects the tooth from contamination, provides the best moisture control needed, and provides better visibility.

What types of rubber dam materials are there?

Latex or latex-free material, available in a continuous roll or in two precut sizes, wide range of colors from light to dark, available in scented and flavors, thin (light), medium, and heavy.

What size of precut dental dams are there?

6x6 and 5x5. Signup and view all the answers

When would you use a 6x6 precut rubber dam?

When working on an adult. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a dark colored rubber dam preferred over a light colored rubber dam?

Because of contrast. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dental dam frame used for?

Stabilizes and stretches the dam so it fits tightly. Signup and view all the answers

When would you use a 5x5 precut rubber dam?

When working on a child. Signup and view all the answers

What type of dental dam frames are there?

Plastic and metal frames. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using a plastic U-shaped dental dam frame?

You don't need to remove it to take x-rays. Signup and view all the answers

Where do you place the Young's stainless steel frame?

On the outside of the dental dam. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Otsby frame?

Round plastic placed outside of the dam. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dental dam napkin used for?

It is used to absorb moisture between the face and the dam. Signup and view all the answers

What is water-soluble lubricant used for?

It is used on the dam to help the dam slide over the teeth and through interproximal spaces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dental dam punch used for?

It is used to punch holes in the dam for the teeth to be isolated. Signup and view all the answers

How many holes does the punch plate have?

5 or 6. Signup and view all the answers

How can you tell which hole is used for which tooth?

#5 is the largest hole punch which is used for the clamped tooth. #4 is used for molars, #3 is used for premolars, #2 is used for maxillary anteriors, #1 is the smallest hole punch and is used for mandibular anteriors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dental dam stamp and template used for?

It marks the dam where holes should be punched for the teeth. Signup and view all the answers

What are the dental dam forceps used for?

They are used to place and remove the dental dam clamp. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the beak of the dental dam forceps?

The beak of the dental dam forceps fits into the holes on the jaws of the dental dam clamp. Signup and view all the answers

What does the sliding bar on the dental dam forceps do?

Keeps the handle in a fixed position. Signup and view all the answers

How do you release the clamp?

Squeeze the handles of the dental dam forceps. Signup and view all the answers

Which direction are the beaks turned toward when placing and/or removing the dental dam clamp?

Toward the arch being isolated. Signup and view all the answers

What are the dental dam clamps used for?

To anchor and stabilize the dental dam. Signup and view all the answers

What is the rounded portion of the clamp that extends through the dental dam called?

The bow. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 prongs that seat around the tooth to create the balance necessary to stabilize the clamp called?

The jaws. Signup and view all the answers

Why are winged clamps beneficial?

They have extra extensions to help retain the dental dam. Signup and view all the answers

What are posterior clamps used for?

Maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth. Signup and view all the answers

What are anterior clamps used for?

For anterior teeth both maxillary and mandibular which retract the gingiva and improve visibility. Signup and view all the answers

How should the dental dam clamps fit?

They should fit in the cervical area of the tooth below the height of contour at or slightly below the CEJ. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to use a dental ligature?

It's a safety step taken to make sure you can retrieve a clamp should it accidentally become dislodged and then inhaled or swallowed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dental Dam Overview

A dental dam is a stretchable latex or non-latex material that serves as a barrier during dental procedures to isolate specific teeth.

Indications for Use

Acts as an infection control barrier, safeguarding the patient's mouth.
Prevents accidental inhalation or swallowing of debris.
Protects tooth from contamination, providing optimal moisture control and visibility.

Types of Dental Dam Materials

Available in latex and latex-free options.
Comes in continuous rolls or two precut sizes (5x5 and 6x6 inches).
Offered in various colors and can be scented or flavored.
Thickness options include thin (light), medium, and heavy.

Dental Dam Sizes

Precut dental dams come in 5x5 for children and 6x6 for adults.

Color Preference

Dark-colored rubber dams are favored over light-colored ones due to improved contrast during procedures.

Dental Dam Frame Function

A dental dam frame stabilizes and stretches the dam to ensure a tight fit.

Dental Dam Frame Types

Frames can be made of plastic or metal, with unique advantages based on material.

X-ray Advantages

Plastic U-shaped frames allow for x-rays without needing removal.

Placement of Frames

The Young's stainless steel frame is positioned outside of the dental dam.

Otsby Frame

Round plastic frame placed outside the dam for stabilization.

Dental Dam Accessories

Dental dam napkins absorb moisture between the face and the dam.
Water-soluble lubricants help the dam slide over teeth and through interproximal spaces.

Punching Holes

Dental dam punch creates holes for tooth isolation, with a punch plate accommodating 5 or 6 holes.
Hole sizes #1 to #5 correspond to different types of teeth: #5 for clamps, #4 for molars, #3 for premolars, #2 for maxillary anteriors, and #1 for mandibular anteriors.

Use of Stamp and Template

The dental dam stamp and template mark where holes should be punched.

Dental Dam Forceps

Used to place and remove clamps; the beak fits into the clamp's holes for secure handling.
The sliding bar maintains a fixed position, aiding in clamp release by squeezing the handles.

Clamp Placement

Beaks of forceps are directed toward the arch being isolated during clamp placement and removal.

Purpose of Clamps

Dental dam clamps anchor and stabilize the dam during procedures.
The bow is the rounded portion extending through the dam, while the jaws are the four prongs providing stability.

Clamp Variations

Winged clamps offer extended features to enhance dam retention.

Clamp Applications

Posterior clamps are used for maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth, while anterior clamps are for maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, aiding in gingival retraction and visibility.

Clamp Fit Guidelines

Clamps should fit in the cervical area below the height of contour, at or slightly below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ).

Safety Protocols

Dental ligatures are essential for safely retrieving a dislodged clamp to prevent accidental swallowing or inhalation.

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Description

Explore essential terms and definitions related to dental dams. This quiz covers the material's function, indications for use, and benefits during dental procedures. Test your knowledge on this crucial aspect of dental infection control.