Choosing medical professionals who prioritize the use of the right materials and supplies can ensure that the patient’s care received is safe, effective, and aligned with the highest standards for practice.  Just like in availing dental professionals’ services, dentists who utilize dental dams among their many supplies can provide clinical benefits to both the patients and the practitioners themselves.  

A thin, flexible sheet of latex or non-latex dental supply is what we call a dental dam.  Non-latex versions are available for patients with latex allergies.  This sheet is used to isolate specific teeth during procedures like fillings, root canals, or crowns.  Why do dental activities of this kind need dental dams?  This is to maintain the area dry and free of saliva thus enhancing the dentist’s visibility and precision while conducting the procedure.  Dental professionals should try the dental dams at Orien Dental Supplies and enhance their commitment to patient safety.

How are Dental Dams Used in Dentistry?

Root Canal Therapy.  Dental dams are very essential part of the root canal procedure.  With the use of the sheet, the affected tooth is isolated to make sure that saliva won’t contaminate the area, ensuring sterile treatment during the procedure.  This will also protect the patient from accidentally swallowing instruments or debris while undergoing the process of a root canal.

Fillings and Restorations.  Moisture control is important during cavity fillings or the placement of composite restorations, so dental dams will do the job once again.  They will keep the area dry so that the adhesive materials used in bonding the restoration to the tooth will be done effectively.

Whitening and Cosmetic Procedures.  Also in teeth whitening, application of veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry services, dental dams have a huge role in protecting the gums and surrounding soft tissues from exposure to chemicals or harsh materials.

Pediatric Dentistry.  While treating children, dental dams can help create a more focused and efficient treatment area, eventually lessening the time required for the procedures and making the experience less stressful for the kids and the dentists as well.     

How are Dental Dams Applied?

First, the dentist prepares the sheet by selecting the appropriate size and material of the dam and punches holes in it to fit the targeted tooth or teeth.  Then a dental frame may be used to hold the dam tight as it is carefully positioned around the targeted teeth for treatment.  The dam now can be secured using clamps, floss, or other tools to secure its placement throughout the procedure.  The dentist can adjust the sheet for more comfortable and effective isolation.

What are the Benefits of Using Dental Dams?

Patients will experience improved safety with the prevention of accidental swallowing of chemicals and materials, and the risk of infection is reduced as the dams become barriers against entering bacteria.  As a result, the patient will have a more comfortable dental visit.

Meanwhile, for dentists, a more efficient practice is achieved as they acquire better visibility through the dam’s clearing of the targeted area of the teeth resulting in a quicker and more accurate treatment.

Dental dams are really essential in ensuring the success of various dental procedures.  For both the patient and the dentist, their role in modern dentistry cannot be overstated.