EFDA Rubber Dam Placement and Removal 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which lubricant is applied to the rubber dam before placement to help it pass through tight interproximal contacts?
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
- Water-based lubricant or shaving cream (Correct answer)
- Alcohol-based antiseptic
- Zinc oxide eugenol paste
Correct answer: Water-based lubricant or shaving cream
Water-based lubricants (such as shaving cream or a commercial dam lubricant) reduce friction so the dam slides easily through contacts without tearing.
Question 2: A floss ligature is used in rubber dam placement to:
- Tie the dam securely to the frame
- Secure the dam at the anterior tooth and guide it through interproximal contacts (Correct answer)
- Remove excess dam material from the margins
- Anchor the metal clamp to the tooth
Correct answer: Secure the dam at the anterior tooth and guide it through interproximal contacts
Dental floss serves as a ligature to hold the dam at the most anterior isolated tooth and to work the dam through tight contacts by flossing it into place.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the rubber dam napkin placed between the dam and the patient's face?
- To clean instruments passed over the patient
- To absorb excess spray water from the dam surface
- To provide patient comfort by absorbing moisture and cushioning the skin (Correct answer)
- To hold the dam frame securely against the face
Correct answer: To provide patient comfort by absorbing moisture and cushioning the skin
The rubber dam napkin (cloth or paper) is positioned between the dam and the patient's face to absorb moisture, prevent skin irritation, and increase patient comfort.
Question 4: A winged rubber dam clamp differs from a wingless clamp in that it:
- Has extra prongs that grip additional surfaces of the tooth
- Has lateral projections that hold the rubber dam during simultaneous placement of the clamp and dam (Correct answer)
- Can only be used on maxillary teeth
- Does not require rubber dam forceps for placement
Correct answer: Has lateral projections that hold the rubber dam during simultaneous placement of the clamp and dam
Winged clamps have lateral wings that hold the rubber dam material, allowing the clamp and dam to be placed together in one step rather than placing the clamp first.
Question 5: If the rubber dam tears during a procedure, the EFDA should:
- Continue the procedure as isolation remains adequate
- Remove and account for the torn piece, then replace the dam if necessary (Correct answer)
- Apply additional clamps over the torn area
- Pack cotton rolls against the tear and proceed
Correct answer: Remove and account for the torn piece, then replace the dam if necessary
A torn dam piece must be located, removed, and accounted for to eliminate any aspiration or ingestion risk before proceeding; the dam should then be replaced.
Question 6: The 212 'butterfly' rubber dam clamp is specifically designed for use on:
- Fully erupted molars with complete coronal coverage
- Partially erupted or severely broken-down teeth with minimal clinical crown (Correct answer)
- Anterior teeth and canines only
- Deciduous (primary) molars exclusively
Correct answer: Partially erupted or severely broken-down teeth with minimal clinical crown
The 212 clamp has an inverted bow design that allows it to engage tooth structure at or slightly below the gingival margin, making it useful for partially erupted or broken-down teeth.
Question 7: Before removing the rubber dam at the end of the procedure, the EFDA should:
- Remove all remaining cotton rolls and retractors first
- Cut all interdental septa of the dam with scissors before pulling it free (Correct answer)
- Release the clamp first and then remove the dam in one piece
- Remove the frame before loosening the clamp
Correct answer: Cut all interdental septa of the dam with scissors before pulling it free
Cutting the interdental septa of the dam with scissors prevents the snapping of dam material against delicate gingival tissue and makes removal safe and comfortable.
EFDA Rubber Dam Placement and Removal 2
Which lubricant is applied to the rubber dam before placement to help it pass through tight interproximal contacts?