I routinely apply rubber dams in all root canal procedures. It is a piece of rubber sheet that isolates the tooth that I'm working on and it is kept in position with a clamp. The advantages of using the dental dam include:
I get a better view of my working area.
Root canal treatment is all about infection control and bacterial elimination. Hence, the rubber dam gives complete isolation of the tooth and removes contamination from saliva and the oral cavity.
Protects the patient from swallowing or inhalation of a root canal file or instrument. There have been case reports of these occurrences!
Most patients feel more comfortable when treatment is carried out with a rubber dam. Irrigating solution or medication used during root canal treatment will not leak into the oral cavity. The irrigating solution is toxic to soft tissues (gums and mucosa). There is also no need for the patient to sit up and rinse during treatment.
The rubber dam is easy to apply and it is usually placed at the beginning of root canal treatment after the local anaesthetic is administered. Patients who are allergic to rubber can opt for the latex-free dental dam.
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