Rubber dam usage for endodontic treatment: a review.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Rubber dam has been a dental standard for over 140 years, universally taught and recommended.
• Despite its benefits, consistent use by dental practitioners for root canal treatment remains low.
• Commonly cited barriers include patient acceptance, time, cost, training, and perceived difficulty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the underutilization of rubber dam in endodontic procedures.
• To identify and address unfounded reasons for its infrequent application.
• To discuss methods for increasing the adoption of rubber dam by general dental practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on rubber dam usage in endodontics.
• Analysis of cited barriers to rubber dam application.
• Discussion of strategies to promote rubber dam use.

Main Results:

• Rubber dam use is not routine in root canal treatment despite established benefits.
• Failure to use rubber dam negatively impacts irrigant choice and treatment outcomes.
• Non-use poses risks of swallowing or aspirating materials and instruments.

Conclusions:

• The consistent use of rubber dam in endodontics is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.
• Addressing practitioners' concerns and improving training can enhance rubber dam adoption.
• Popularization strategies are needed to ensure wider application of this essential dental tool.