Dental treatment is a difficult procedure that requires a lot of attention and patience not only from the doctor, but also from the patient himself. Naturally, there are a large number of materials that are used to facilitate the implementation of certain actions of the dentist. Cofferdam is one of them.
What is a product?
So, you should consider what kind of material, as well as what properties it has. Cofferdam is a special elastic fabric made of latex, which is used to isolate the oral cavity from those teeth with which the dentist is going to work.
In order to fix the plate, it is necessary to put on a metal clip on the crown being machined. It is selected strictly individually. To date, this material is included in the standard equipment of the dental office by international standards.
However, it cannot be said that cofferdam is present in all doctors. Unfortunately, it can only be found in private offices. Although international standards require its mandatory application. For example, root canal cleansing procedures are generally forbidden to be performed without the use of such overlays.
Useful qualities of the product
So, rubber dam is a special material that has the following characteristics:
- The canvas has a relatively small thickness and density, which allows you to easily make holes in any desired place.
- Material can be worn on one or more crowns that require processing.
- The product is convenient to use and greatly facilitates the work of a specialist. In this case, the treatment time is significantly reduced.
Advantages of the device
Cofferdam in dentistry is very popular, as it has the following advantages:
- Provides excellent isolation of the oral cavity from those teeth that require treatment. That is, the doctor can achieve almost complete sterility, necessary for high-quality cleaning of channels, as well as to prevent infection of tissues.
- Due to the fact that such a latex plate completely isolates the tooth from moisture, the dentist is able to provide better adhesion of the fillings or other material, which increases the period of its use.
- After the veil is fixed, the patient does not have to spit saliva. He can calmly swallow it, while he does not feel any discomfort.
- The tongue is in a normal position throughout the procedure.
- The respiratory tract is reliably protected from the smallest particles of dental tissue, crown fragments.
- For the doctor, the main advantage is the reduction in the time of the procedure due to the absence of the need to install and remove the cotton rolls.
- The patient suppresses the vomiting reflex, as the sensitivity of the palate decreases.
- Complete soft tissue protection in the mouth.
- The patient can tell the doctor at any time that he feels if there is any discomfort.
- The mucous membrane of the oral cavity practically does not dry out.
- The load on the joints and muscles of the jaw is reduced, the patient does not feel fatigue or other discomfort.
What are the disadvantages of the material?
Despite the fact that the standard equipment of the dental office requires the presence and use of this latex lining, as well as all its advantages, this product has some disadvantages:
- Rare allergic reaction.
- Very high requirements for the implementation of x-ray examination.
- Possible injury to the interdental papilla.
However, with proper use of the material, such disadvantages are easily eliminated. In addition, there are many varieties of linings, which allows using a different type of material in case of an allergic reaction.
Where is the product used?
Cofferdam is a very high-quality protection, which is necessary in such cases:
- When conducting endodontic therapy. An important point in this case is the obstruction of the penetration of microbes into the treated areas. In addition, antiseptics used to disinfect the work area can also cause irritation of the mucous membranes.
- For the implementation of artistic restoration of crowns using light-cured substances.
- When installing seals.
That is, you can apply the pad in almost any type of treatment. Naturally, each procedure requires its own type of rubber dam.
Features and varieties of material
It should be noted that there is not only latex, but also liquid rubber dam, the main advantage of which is that this mass freezes in 20 seconds. It is able to penetrate even into the interdental spaces. However, in this case, the mucous membranes and tongue remain unprotected. That is, liquid cofferdam should be used only for the treatment of microabrasion, teeth whitening, better sealing of gaps after applying a latex plate.
In addition, the product can be classified according to different indicators:
- In shape and size: latex stretched on a special frame, as well as finished plates or rolls. In the first case, the size of the products is 15 × 15 cm, and in the second - the width of the canvas is 15 cm, and its length is different.
- By film thickness: thick (0.34-0.39 mm) and thin (0.13-0.18 mm) latex. It all depends on the work that the doctor must perform. For example, a thick layer is used to treat anterior teeth, and a thin layer is used to restore molars and premolars. Medium thickness material can be used to treat any crowns.
- By color. There are several solutions: gray, brown, beige, green, blue and pink. Light beige latex is used when cleaning the root canals, as it is not very thick and transparent enough for the dentist to assess the degree of tooth damage. Blue and green material is used during the restoration of crowns, in which good adhesion of fillings to the treated surface is important. Dark beige and gray material also makes it possible to get a good contrast.
As you can see, the presented product is diverse, so the dentist has great opportunities to choose the necessary lining, depending on the procedure being performed.
How to use the product?
Cofferdam is considered a straightforward procedure. However, the dentist himself cannot produce it. To do this, he needs an assistant. In this case, the installation of the curtain is carried out in just a few minutes.
In addition, there are some subtleties of using the product:
- The powdery side of the film should be directed to the doctor. But the smooth surface is in contact with the shells of the oral cavity. Only in this case, the risk of an allergic reaction in the patient is reduced. In addition, this styling contributes to a good grip between the doctor’s fingers and the surface of the rubber dam.
- The dentist independently chooses how the material will be applied. For example, if it is necessary to restore the molars, it is better to use the technique of "wings".
Before using such a product in daily work, the doctor must learn to properly fix it in the oral cavity. That is, some skill is needed.
How to prevent the occurrence of side effects?
Latex is a synthetic material that is not always well tolerated by the body. In some cases, it can cause an allergic reaction. Sometimes the negative consequences are caused not by the rubber itself, but by talc, with which it is poured for storage.
Recently, manufacturers have taken into account the wishes of specialists and began to produce material without this powder. That is, latex is repeatedly treated with liquid. In addition, now you can purchase modern dental materials based on silicone.
Their only drawback is that they have slightly less elasticity than latex. However, the rest is silicone is not inferior.
In what cases can I not use it?
Cofferdam in dentistry is a very useful thing, but it is not always used. There are times when its use is meaningless:
- During restoration of crowns on which bridges are fixed, as well as after the installation of braces.
- If the patient has a special anatomical structure of the jaw, which does not allow the use of a latex pad.
- With a small amount of restoration work.
- Treatment of subgingival caries.
In principle, cofferdam is a very convenient device that only facilitates the work of the dentist and the life of the patient. Therefore, he should ask if the doctor has such material. Be healthy!