Dr. Scott Morgan uses rubber dams when providing treatments such as dental fillings, root canals and other nerve treatments. Rubber dams are designed to protect your teeth as they are being treated, keeping out moisture and other contaminants, such as bacteria and salivary proteins that can interfere with the proper placement of composite resin (tooth colored) fillings. They also reduce the chances of infection and contamination from the bacteria in the mouth, when a nerve treatment is needed. To learn more about rubber dams in Indianapolis, Indiana, and to schedule your child’s appointment with our pediatric dentist, call Pediatric Dentistry North, P.C. at 317-571-8000.
Rubber dams, or as we sometimes call them, “raincoats for teeth,” are used to isolate a tooth from the tongue, saliva, lips and cheeks. When we begin treating your child’s tooth, we place a rectangular sheet of latex onto a metal frame, and carefully position it around the tooth we will be treating. A tiny metal clamp, which we call a “ring,” is placed around the tooth so that the rubber dam will not slip off. This keeps the tooth isolated and dry so that our pediatric dentist can treat it correctly.
Once in place, the rubber dam works to reduce the possibility of contamination and create a physical barrier between the patient and the dental procedure. In addition to protecting the tooth, this barrier may also help reduce any anxiety your child may be feeling about their treatment as it works to prevent discomfort or injury to the tongue, cheeks and lips and prevents any debris or excess water spray that could cause choking from falling into your child’s mouth.
If you have any questions about rubber dams or would like to schedule a consultation with our pediatric dentist, please contact our office today. We are committed to providing the utmost comfort and care to your child during their treatments.