Accuracy is essential during dental procedures, and dentists strive for it to ensure maximum comfort of the patient and a successful procedure. 

There are many tools and instruments available for use in dentistry, including burs, cutters, curettes, dental dams, and more. Despite being a simple tool, its uses in the dental field are vast. 

Dental-Dams
Image credits: Wikipedia

What is a dental dam?

A dental dam is a thin sheet whose primary use is to isolate a specific area of the mouth during dental procedures in order to improve the accuracy of the procedures. 

While these popular tools ensure accuracy and provide better focus on the targeted area, they ensure the patient’s safety during such procedures. 

While they’re typically made up of latex, they can also be made up of other materials, like nitrile, polyisoprene, or others. They come in different sizes and thicknesses to fit into various procedures. The perforated sheet allows individual teeth to protrude through the present holes. 

Dental dams are durable and are designed to be flexible, therefore resisting tearing during dental procedures. Dentists can choose a suitable one depending on the procedure. 

How to use a dental dam?

A dental dam is designed to be placed around one or more teeth to create a barrier from the rest of the mouth. 

Dental dams are meant to stretch to fit the required area. However, they cannot be held in place without support. Therefore, they are typically held in place with dental clamps that fit around the tooth or a group of teeth that are undergoing the treatment. 

Isolation is the primary use of a dental dam, it prevents fluids, including saliva and blood, from entering the site of the treatment during dental procedures. It also prevents debris from entering the area. As a result, the dentist has a dry canvas to work on, and this increases the efficiency of the whole procedure. The clean environment prevents contamination and prevents the risk of complications of dental procedures. 

During procedures like root canals or cavity fillings, foreign objects are involved. Being a protective barrier, a dental dam prevents these objects from going anywhere close to the patient’s throat, preventing accidental swallowing or inhaling through the windpipe. In turn, possible injuries and even infections are prevented. 

Dental sealants adhere better on a dry surface. As dental dams keep the surface dry, they ensure optimal results in relevant procedures. 

A dental dam ensures the patient’s sense of comfort throughout dental procedures, helping them cooperate with their dentists, ensuring successful procedures. 

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