Kofferdam: the use of this device in dentistry, the advantages and disadvantages of such protection of the oral cavity

The use of various modern materials can significantly improve the quality of dental treatment.Recently, doctors have started using cofferds - a useful device that makes the dentist's work easier and increases the efficiency of the manipulations performed in the oral cavity.Many clinics increasingly began 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 this out.

What is the peculiarity of using cofferdam in dentistry?

Cofferdam, , otherwise known as the Rubberdam , is a latex wipe that has a pleasant odor that allows one or more teeth to be isolated to be treated 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.On this tooth fix a metal clip( clamp) so that the cofferdam suddenly accidentally does not move.

But is there such an need to use the of such a device, because before it was easily dispensed with without it?But often there were such situations, that the treated tooth again began to hurt or dropped out a seal and it was necessary again to go on reception to the doctor.But the cofferdam in dentistry was also invented to ensure that the treatment was performed qualitatively.

Advantages of

This latex protection greatly facilitates the work of the doctor , as it allows him to clearly see the tooth.In addition, it is impossible to hit the tooth with saliva or blood, as a result of which microorganisms that can cause complications in the form of pains or repeated caries can not penetrate into the working field.Also, getting fluid reduces the likelihood of gluing the seal to the tooth, and the restoration period is short-lived even because of the moisture released during breathing.

What are the pluses of the rubberdam for patients?

Positive aspects of the cofferdam in dentistry:

• safety, since the oral cavity is well protected against 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 much less due to the need to keep mouth open for a long time;
• reduces the gag reflex, because many patients can not tolerate the presence in the oral cavity of the cotton rollers;
• retains the swallowing function;
• patient feels comfort, as it creates a feeling that the treatment is carried out outside the mouth;
• The doctor's finger rest does not cause discomfort;
• the oral cavity does not dry out;
• cofferdam works well if the patient has anatomy features in the form of a large tongue or cheeks and the doctor needs to push or hold them;
• significantly saves time, as there is no need to constantly rinse your mouth, spit out saliva or change cotton swabs.

Scope

Cofferdam in dentistry is used in the treatment of dental canals.In the process of treatment, saliva or blood in the oral cavity containing microbes , in no case should get into the channel, because this affects the longevity of the result.In addition, this device helps to protect the oral mucosa from getting strong antiseptics on it, which the dentist uses during the washing of the dental canals.Cofferdams are also used for the installation of light-cured fillings and when carrying out artistic restorations from materials with light rejection.

If teeth are treated with braces or that are under bridge bridges, then it will not be possible to apply the cofferdam in this case.It also happens that the patient has teeth with individual anatomical features, in which latex protection is difficult to use.If treatment of subgingival caries is performed or a small restoration is performed, then it is possible and not to apply the cofferdam.In any case, the decision is made by the doctor.It is worth noting that it is very inconvenient to impose such a device alone on the dentist, so four hands are needed, that is, one has to use an assistant.

Disadvantages and contraindications

There are following disadvantages of using cofferdam in dentistry:

• It takes a lot of time to install latex protection, but if the doctor has a lot of experience, then it does it quickly enough.
• A slight increase in the cost of the dental procedure, because during the treatment additional materials are used.But it should be remembered that due to the cofferdam the probability of repeated treatment and occurrence of complications is significantly reduced.
• The installation of such a device can lead to a change in the visible color of the tooth, as a result of which the doctor may incorrectly choose shades of dental composites.This is explained by the fact that the cofferdam is painted in bright colors - green or blue.

This material also has contraindications:

• If nasal breathing is impaired.Breathing with superimposed latex protection through the mouth is impossible, because the oral cavity is completely closed by this device.
• When allergic to latex.If the patient has previously noticed an allergy to this material, then he must certainly inform the attending physician about this.

Thus, using the cofferdam in the dentistry greatly facilitates the work of the doctor and contributes to the acceleration of dental treatment.Thanks to the use of latex protection, the effectiveness and longevity of the treatment is increased, as it does not lead to complications and to re-visit the doctor.