Restorative Materials: Dental Dam, Matrix and Wedge

Dental dam (also referred to as a rubber dam) placement is one method of isolating teeth that are going to be restored. It can be used on almost any patient.

1. Greater Visibility because of contrast between the tooth and the dental dam material.
2. Greater accessibility to operating field by retracting the gingiva, tongue, cheeks and lips.
3. Control of moisture to keep the area dry for better vision and to ensure a dry tooth when bonding agents, etchants, and restorative materials are used.
4. Protection for the patient from swallowing or aspirating debris during the procedure.
5. Protection of the gingiva during acid-etching procedures.
6. Imporved patient management and decreased operating time because of limited patient conversation and because a clear, dry field is maintained.
7. Acts as a protective barrier for patient
8. Decrease amount of contaiminated aersol exposure.

The dental dam is a latex or latex-free material.

1. Physical conditions of the paitent (i.e. asthma)
2. Concerns the patient may have (i.e. claustrophobic)
3. Conditions in the oral cavity.

1.Dental Dam Material
2.Dental Dam Napkin
3.Dental Dam Frame
4. Dental Dam Punching guides
5.Dental Dam Punch
6. Dental Dam Clamps
7. Dental Dam Forceps
8. Dental Floss
9. Lubricant
10. Scissors
11. Ligatures
12. Stabilizing Cord

Are used for patient comfort and to absorb saliva, water and perspiration.

The dental dam frame or holder is desiged to stretch and secure the dam in place across the patient's face.

The dental dam may be marked by using a template or a stamp of the adult and pediatric arches.

The action of the dental dam punch is similar to that of a paper punch, although the design is much different. The punch has a handle and a working end. The working end has a stylus.

A sharp projection to punch through the dental dam, and a punch table or punch plate.

Their purposes is to stabilize and secure the dental dam material in place.
Dental Clamps come in numerous designs and sizes to fit around the teeth.

1. Bow
2. Jaws
3. Forceps holes
4. Points

1. Winged Clamps
2. Wingless Clamps

Winged Clamps= Have extra projections for better retraction, and they hold the dental dam in lace because the eings are angle toward the gingiva.
Wingless Clamps = Have the W in front of the number of the clamp and have no projections.

Dental dam forceps are used to place and remove the dental dam clamp.