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Handling protocol of posterior composites Rubber Dam
1Restorative Dentistry, University of the Western Cape. cstrydom@uwc.ac.za
Summary
Rubber dams are crucial for dental adhesive procedures, ensuring a dry field essential for bonding agent efficacy. Despite minimal time investment, routine use by dentists remains low, hindering optimal treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Adhesive dentistry relies on maintaining a dry operating field for optimal bond strength.
- Modern dentin bonding agents are highly susceptible to contamination from blood and saliva.
- Despite proven benefits, rubber dam usage in routine dental practice is suboptimal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of rubber dam isolation in adhesive dental procedures.
- To emphasize the limitations of dentin bonding agents in contaminated environments.
- To encourage the routine adoption of rubber dam use among dental practitioners.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on rubber dam efficacy and bonding agent performance.
- Clinical observations on the time required for rubber dam application.
- Analysis of factors influencing the low routine adoption rate of rubber dams.
Main Results:
- Rubber dam provides significant facilitation for adhesive procedures by ensuring a dry operating field.
- Contamination with blood or saliva severely compromises the performance of modern dentin bonding agents.
- Experienced clinicians can place a rubber dam in approximately 2 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Routine use of rubber dam is essential for predictable and successful adhesive dental treatments.
- The minimal time investment for rubber dam placement does not justify its infrequent use.
- Overcoming barriers to rubber dam adoption is critical for improving dental care quality.