Endodontics: Part 6 Rubber dam and access cavities

Rubber dam is easy to apply once the basic components and principles are understood. An efficient and well-trained dental nurse will greatly facilitate the application procedure. Although preparation of the access cavity may be commenced before rubber dam is applied to enable anatomical landmarks to be followed, the rubber dam should be placed as soon as possible with adequate protection against contamination of the access. The access cavity reflects the shape of the pulp chamber, modified by the angle of instrument approach.