By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
When you come in for dental work, you want the best results possible—and one key tool that helps ensure quality and safety is rubber dam isolation. A rubber dam is a thin, stretchy sheet (usually made of latex or a latex-free alternative) that a dentist places around the tooth being treated. It isolates that tooth from the rest of your mouth, keeping it dry and free from saliva. Though it might look a bit unusual—often green or blue and held in place with a small metal framework—it plays a crucial role in many procedures, especially bonding treatments and root canals.
For bonding procedures, like fillings or cosmetic work, a dry, clean environment is essential for long-lasting results. Moisture from your breath or saliva can interfere with how materials bond to your tooth, weakening the restoration. Similarly, during root canal treatment, a rubber dam keeps bacteria and moisture from entering the tooth while the inside is being cleaned and sealed. Without this protection, the risk of contamination goes up, which can lead to complications or even failure of the treatment. Rubber dams also help keep the airway safe from any small instruments or tools that have to be used during these dental procedures.
When a rubber dam isn’t used, the results can be compromised. For instance, contaminated bonding surfaces can cause fillings to leak, fall out, or lead to tooth sensitivity. In root canals, the absence of a rubber dam increases the chance of infection re-entering the tooth or debris being accidentally swallowed or inhaled. These risks not only threaten the success of the dental work but can also pose a risk to your health. Using a rubber dam significantly improves both the quality and the safety of your treatment.
At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert believe in doing things the right way from the start. That’s why they routinely use rubber dam isolation during bonding and root canal procedures. This commitment to high standards ensures that your dental treatments are more predictable, longer-lasting, and less likely to cause issues down the road. You can trust that your dental health is in the hands of professionals who prioritize excellence and your well-being.
While a rubber dam might feel a little unfamiliar at first, it actually makes the dental process easier for you in many cases—keeping your mouth more comfortable and reducing the amount of rinsing and suction needed. Using rubber dam isolation also allows you to breathe through your nose, creating a calming effect and keeping the air from passing through your mouth where the dental work is occurring. Next time you’re in the dental chair, you’ll know that the small green sheet we use at Eggert Family Dentistry is doing big work to protect your smile. At Eggert Family Dentistry, that attention to detail is just one of the many ways they care for you and your oral health. Please call us today at 651-482-8412 to set up your next appointment!