The use of various modern materials can significantly improve the quality of dental treatment. Recently, doctors began to use cofferdam - a useful device that makes the work of the dentist easier and increases the efficiency of the manipulations in the oral cavity. Many clinics have increasingly begun to use it in the treatment of their patients. So what is a cofferdam and what are the features of its use? Let's try to figure it out.
Content
What is the feature of the use of cofferdam in dentistry?
Cofferdam, otherwise called rubber dam, is a latex napkin, which has a pleasant smell, allowing you to isolate one or more teeth for the purpose of treatment separately from the rest of the oral cavity. In such a thin elastic canvas, a small hole is made through which the necessary tooth is scanned. A metal clip (clummer) is fixed on this tooth so that the cofferdam does not accidentally shift.
But is there such need to use such a device, because you used to easily do without it? But such situations often happened that the treated tooth started to hurt again or the filling fell out and had to go to the doctor’s office again. But cofferdam in dentistry and was coined to ensure that the treatment was performed qualitatively.
Benefits
Such latex protection greatly facilitates the work of a doctor, as it allows him to clearly see the tooth. In addition, it is possible that saliva or blood does not enter the tooth, as a result of which microorganisms that can cause complications such as pain or repeated caries cannot enter the working field. Also, the ingress of liquid reduces the likelihood of sticking the seal to the tooth, and the restoration period is short even because of the moisture released during breathing.
What are the advantages of rubber dam for patients?
Positive aspects of the cofferdam in dentistry:
- safety, as the oral cavity is well protected from the ingress of various solutions, sharp instruments and adhesive systems;
- the risk of developing allergies during treatment is significantly reduced;
- chewing muscles and joints get tired a lot less because of the need to keep your mouth open for a long time;
- reduced gag reflex, because many patients can not tolerate the presence in the oral cavity cotton rolls;
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the function of swallowing is preserved; - the patient experiences comfort, as it creates the feeling that the treatment is carried out outside the oral cavity;
- the support of fingers of the doctor does not give discomfort;
- oral cavity does not dry out;
- cofferdam helps well if the patient has anatomy features in the form of a large tongue or cheeks and the doctor needs to move or hold them back;
- significantly saves time, as there is no need to constantly rinse your mouth, spit saliva or change cotton swabs.
Application area
Cofferdam in dentistry is used in the treatment of dental canals. Saliva or blood during treatment in the oral cavity containing germs, in no case should not get inside the channel, because it affects the durability of the result. In addition, this device helps protect the oral mucosa from contact with strong antiseptics, which the dentist uses during the washing of the dental canals.Cofferdam is also used when installing light-cured fillings and when performing artistic restoration from materials having light curing.
If carried dental treatment with braces or which are under bridges, in this case, the cofferdam will not work. It also happens that the patient has teeth with individual anatomical features, in which it is difficult to use latex protection. If the treatment of subgingival caries is carried out or a small restoration is performed, then it is possible not to use cofferdam. In any case, the decision is made by a doctor. It is worth noting that it is very inconvenient for the dentist to impose such a device alone; therefore, four hands are necessary, that is, an assistant must be involved.
Disadvantages and contraindications
There are the following disadvantages of the use of cofferdam in dentistry:
- The installation of latex protection requires a lot of time, but if the doctor has a lot of experience, he does it quickly enough.
- A slight increase in the cost of the dental procedure, because during the treatment they use additional materials. But it should be remembered that the cofferdam greatly reduces the likelihood of re-treatment and the occurrence of complications.
- The installation of such a device may lead to a change in the visible color of the tooth, as a result of which the doctor may incorrectly match the shades of the dental composites. This is explained by the fact that the cofferdam is painted in bright colors - green or blue.
There are contraindications for this material:
- If nasal breathing is impaired. It is impossible to breathe with the latex protection applied through the mouth, because the oral cavity is completely closed by this device.
- If you are allergic to latex. If a patient has previously noticed that he or she is allergic to this material, then he must necessarily warn the attending physician.
In this way, cofferdam use in dentistry greatly facilitates the work of a doctor and helps speed up dental treatment. Through the use of latex protection increases the efficiency and durability of treatment, as it does not lead to complications and re-visit the doctor.
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