How do you disinfect a dental dam?

For Dental Dam Clamps, Forceps and Punches, steam sterilize for 15 minutes at 132ºC / 270ºF in a gravity autoclave or for 4 minutes at 132ºC / 270ºF in a pre-vacuum sterilizer. Do not heat metal based instruments above 177ºC/350ºF.

How is dental dam removed?

When the procedure is complete, the rubber dam can be carefully removed. First, cut the rubber dam septums with a blunt-edged scissors. Next, place the rubber-dam forceps and lift off the retainer and dam together with the napkin. The napkin can then be used to wipe the patient’s face and clean any debris left behind.

How is the dental dam prepared?

The dental dam is prepared by punching one or more holes in the dental dam sheet to enable isolation of the appropriate number of teeth required for the dental procedure.

What are the two sizes of dental dam material?

SIZE. Dental Dam material is available in pre-cut squares of 6×6 and 5×5 inches. The 6×6 is used for posterior applications. The 5×5 squares are for anterior application and primary detention.

How do you sterilize a rubber dam sheet?

For Dental Dam Clamps, Forceps and Punches, steam sterilize for 15 minutes at 130ºC / 266ºF in a gravity auto- clave or 134ºC / 273ºF for 4 minutes in a pre-vacuum steril- izer. Do not heat metal based instruments above 177ºC / 350ºF. For all Dam Frames, steam sterilize for 20 minutes at 121ºC / 250ºF.

Why do dentists use dental dams?

As we know, the primary reason dental professionals use a dental dam is to stop oral bacteria from entering the exposed area inside the tooth and contaminating the root chamber.

What teeth are to be isolated with a dental dam?

Rubber Dam Placement: Next isolate the most anterior tooth in the quadrant and then isolate the remaining teeth. Water soluable lubricant can be used on the underside of the dam to aid in placement. However, usually the patients’ saliva provides all the lubrication necessary.

Why is it called a dental dam?

The name comes from its original use. Some dentists use a thicker version to keep their patients’ teeth dry and germ-free during dental procedures. You can buy dental dams in many of the same places you get condoms, like drugstores and online. Sexual health clinics may offer them for free.

Why do dentists not use dental dams?

Some dental professionals feel reluctant to use dental dams because their placement can be difficult. They also require extra time and money. And some dentists don’t have the proper training to use them. Other dentists report that people are not comfortable wearing them.

Are dental dams necessary?

Like condoms, dental dams are an easy and effective barrier method of STD protection during oral sex, but unlike condoms they are a bit of a mystery for some. The thing is, these misunderstood pieces of latex can protect you from herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis so they’re pretty dam important.

Can you autoclave rubber?

Only rubber and Teflon can be safely autoclaved so do consider which closure liners you use.