MDA Chap 36

Indications for dental dam use

Answer explanation

• Serves as an important infection control barrier in the preparation of teeth

• Safeguards the patient's mouth against contact with debris, dental materials, or other liquids during treatment

• Protects the patient from accidentally aspirating or swallowing debris, such as small fragments of a tooth or scraps of restorative material

• Protects the tooth from contamination by saliva or debris if pulpal exposure occurs

• Protects the oral cavity from exposure when an infected tooth is opened during an endodontic treatment

• Provides moisture control that is essential for the placement of restorative materials

• Improves access by retracting the lips, tongue, and gingiva from the field of operation

• Provides better visibility because of the contrasting colors of the dam and the tooth

• Increases dental team efficiency by discouraging patient conversation and reducing the time required for treatment

to separate or occur alone; pertaining to selected teeth visible through the dam.

to draw back or to draw within; swallow

Used for permanent posterior

• 6x6 in

• 5x5 in

Used for primary or permanent anterior

• 6x6 in

• 5x5 in

Most frequently used for endodontic applications because it is used for isolating one tooth, less stretch is needed

• Medium

• Thin

• Heavy

is widely used in operative procedures because of its ease of handling and ability to isolate selected teeth

• Medium

• Thin

• Heavy

Is selected when tissue retraction and extra resistance to tearing are important; crown, a fixed bridge, or teeth with tight contacts

• Medium

• Thin

• Heavy

is necessary to stabilize and stretch the dam, so it can fit tightly around the teeth but remain out of the operator's way.

• Placed under the dam

• Radiolucent

• Ostby frame

• Plastic U-shaped frame

• Young frame