In addition to brushing and flossing, the use of dental dams during certain dental procedures can provide extra protection and benefits. Dental dams are thin, square sheets of latex that are placed over the operating area in the mouth to isolate it and protect it from fluids and debris.

Uses of dental dams in dentistry

Root canal treatments

One of the main uses of dental dams is during root canal treatments. Placement of a dental dam over the tooth being treated creates a moisture-free field which allows the dentist to clearly see the root canals. It also prevents debris from root canal procedures from contaminating other areas of the mouth. Isolating the tooth with a dam makes root canals more precise and efficient. It helps the dentist see the tiny root canals and thoroughly clean, shape, and fill them.

Filling cavities

Dental Dam are also commonly used when filling cavities, especially those located in the back teeth that are difficult to isolate just using a cotton roll. The dam creates a dry working environment, keeping saliva and moisture away from the restoration site. This allows filling materials like composite resin or dental amalgam to properly adhere to the tooth structure. It results in stronger, longer-lasting fillings with smooth contours that are less likely to stain or degrade over time.

Taking impressions

For procedures involving dental impressions, like for crowns, bridges or dentures, a dental dam can help produce very accurate impressions. When making an impression, you want the imprint of just the teeth and not have saliva or debris contaminating the material inside the mouth. A dental dam covers the rest of the mouth, keeping it isolated and dry during impression taking. This let's the impression material fully set and capture all the fine detail of the teeth.

Protecting against fluids and debris

One of the most important uses of dental dams is protecting both patient and provider from fluids and debris during procedures. Dams create a barrier that stops saliva, blood, water, and other material from potentially splashing or spraying into the mouth or eyes. This helps reduce risks of transmitting diseases and infections between dentist and patient. Dams also keep instruments and restoration materials like cement and filling material clean and free of contamination.

Benefits of dental dams

Increased safety

A key benefit of using dental dams is increased safety for both patient and provider. As mentioned, dams prevent any fluids from potentially being aerosolized or splashing during procedures. This helps lower risks of transmitting infections like HIV, hepatitis and others. Proper isolation with a dam protects both parties involved.

Improved visibility and access

The dry field created by a dental dam allows dentists to better visualize treatment areas with clearer views inside the mouth. This results in more precise, efficient procedures. Dams also help improve access by keeping other areas isolated and out of the way. This benefit is especially seen in root canals and fillings in difficult to reach back teeth.

Higher quality treatment outcomes

When dental professionals can better see treatment areas and have unobstructed access, it leads to higher quality outcomes for procedures. Using dams means better quality root canals, fillings, crowns, and impressions that will last longer. The dry field leads to more accurate diagnostics and restorations with lasting, aesthetically pleasing results.