Rubber Dam Isolation:
The rubber dam is the most effective way for controlling the field of operation. The goals achieved by rubber dam application in isolating the field of operation are a combination of most of the goals achieved by all other isolation methods.
Rubber dam ensures appropriate dryness of teeth and improves the quality of restorative material.
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(i) Rubber dam excludes the sulcular fluid, saliva and gingival bleeding from the operating field.
(ii) It prevents the swallowing of hand piece spray and restorative debris.
(iii) It helps in maintaining the operative field dry, and prevents the mirror fogging due to breathing.
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(iv) Rubber dam produces a water tight seal that allows the safe use of sodium hypochlorite, other disinfectants and irrigants.
(i) Soft tissues retraction by rubber dam protects them from injuries during treatment. The inquisitive tongue is kept out of the operating field.
(ii) It provides maximum exposure of operating site by maintaining open mouth with retraction of gingival tissue, tongue, lips, and cheeks.
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(iii) It allows unimpeded vision of the tooth during treatment.
(i) It prevents aspiration of small instruments and restorative debris and also the soft tissue injuries.
(ii) It prevents the aspiration of the aerosol of microbes and saliva produced by turbine hand piece. In addition, the patient does not have a mouth full of water.
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(i) It eliminates discomfort of patient during treatment and controls moisture.
(ii) It reduces salivation, blood flow and gives more comfort to patient.
(iii) Treatment is quicker and more pleasant for both the patient and the clinician.
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Advantages of Rubber dam isolation
(i) Dry, clean operative field.
(ii) Improves access and visibility.
(iii) Potentially improved properties of dental materials.
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(iv) Protection of patient and operator.
(v) Operating efficiency.
Disadvantages of Rubber dam isolation
I. It is time consuming procedure (for tyro clinicians).
II. Some patients may have objection for the rubber dam application.
III. Certain oral conditions precluding the use of rubber dam are;
IV. Teeth that aren’t sufficiently erupted
V. Some third molars
VI. Extremely malpositioned teeth
VII. Patient suffering from asthma
The medium thickness is commonly used for general purpose. It nicely adapts to the cervical area of the tooth, providing fluid tight seal without use of floss or ligature ties.
It doesn’t tear easily and provides improved visibility. However, thin materials are recommended for isolation of mandibular anterior teeth and partially erupted teeth.
As being less bulky, they exert less dislodging forces on the clamp.
Color of Rubber dam isolation
(i) Dark brown
(ii) Green
(iii) Black
(iv) Blue.
They are available in dark and light shades with different flavors and aromas. Dark-colored material provides a contrasting color as a background.
It has shiny and dull side. Dull side is less light reflective so it is placed facing the occlusal side.
Uses of Rubber dam isolation
Thicker dam is more effective in retracting tissue and more resistant to tearing so it is recommended for class V lesions.
Thinner dam easily passes through the contacts so it is helpful in tight interdental contacts.