Cofferdam is ... The application of cofferdam in dentistry

Dental treatment is not an easy procedure, which requires much attention and patience not only from the doctor, but also from the patient himself. Naturally, there are a large number of materials that are used to facilitate the performance of certain dental activities. Cofferdam is one of them.

What is the product?

So, we should consider what kind of material it is, and what properties it has. Cofferdam is a special elastic fabric made of latex, which is used to isolate the mouth from those teeth with which the dentist is going to work.

In order to fix the plate, it is necessary to put a metal clip on the treated crown. He is selected strictly individually. To date, this material is included in the standard equipment of the dental office by international standards.

However, it can not be said that the cofferdam is present in all doctors. Unfortunately, it can be found only in private offices. Although international standards require its mandatory application. For example, procedures for cleaning root canals are generally forbidden to produce without the use of such linings.

Useful qualities of the product

So, the cofferdam is a special material that has such characteristics:

• The canvas has a relatively small thickness and density, which makes it possible to easily make holes in any necessary place.
• You can put the material on one or more crowns, which require processing.
• The product is easy to use and greatly facilitates the work of a specialist. At the same time the treatment time is significantly reduced.

Advantages of adaptation

Cofferdam in dentistry is very popular, as it has the following advantages:

1. Provides excellent isolation of the oral cavity from those teeth that require treatment. That is, the doctor can achieve almost complete sterility, which is necessary for high-quality channel cleaning, and also to prevent infection of tissues.
2. Due to the fact that this latex plate completely isolates the tooth from moisture, the dentist can provide better adhesion of the seal or other material, which increases the period of its use.
3. After the veil has been fixed, the patient does not have to spit the saliva. He can calmly swallow it, but he will not feel the discomfort.
4. The tongue occupies a normal position throughout the procedure.
5. Respiratory tracts are reliably protected from getting the smallest particles of dental tissue, fragments of the crowns.
6. For the doctor, the main advantage is to reduce the time of the procedure by not having to install and remove the cotton rollers.
7. The patient is suppressed gag reflex, as the sensitivity of the sky decreases.
8. Full protection of soft tissues in the mouth.
9. The patient at any time can tell the doctor that he feels if there is discomfort.
10. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity does not dry up.
11. The load on the joints and muscles of the jaw decreases, the patient does not feel fatigue or other discomfort.

What are the drawbacks of the material?

Despite the fact that the standard for equipping the dental office requires the presence and use of this latex lining, as well as all its advantages, this product has some disadvantages:

• A rare allergic reaction.
• Very high requirements when performing X-ray studies.
• Possible injury to the interdental papilla.

However, with proper use of the material, such shortcomings are easily eliminated. In addition, the varieties of linings are many, which is allowed in case of an allergic reaction to use a different type of material.

Where is the product used?

Cofferdam is a very high-quality protection, which is necessary in such cases:

• When carrying out endodontic therapy. An important point in this case is an obstacle to the penetration of microbes into the treated areas. In addition, antiseptics used to disinfect the work area can also cause irritation of the mucous membranes.
• For the artistic restoration of crowns with the use of light-curing substances.
• When installing seals.

That is, you can apply the patch in virtually any kind of treatment. Naturally, each procedure requires its own type of cofferdam.

Features and varieties of material

It should be noted that there is not only latex, but liquid cofferdam, the main advantage of which is that this mass freezes in 20 seconds. It is able to penetrate even into the interdental spaces. However, in this case, the mucous membranes and tongue remain unprotected. That is, liquid cofferdams should be used only to treat microabrasion, teeth whitening, better sealing of gaps after applying a latex plate.

In addition, the product can be classified according to different parameters:

1. In shape and size: latex stretched on a special frame, as well as finished plates or rolls. 15 см, а во втором - ширина полотна 15 см, а его длина - разная. In the first case, the size of the products is 15 × 15 cm, and in the second case the width of the canvas is 15 cm, and its length is different.
2. The thickness of the film: thick (0.34-0.39 mm) and thin (0.13-0.18 mm) latex. It all depends on the work that the doctor must perform. For example, a thick layer is used to treat the front teeth, and a thin layer is used for the restoration of molars and premolars. Material of medium thickness can be used to treat any crowns.
3. By color. There are several solutions: gray, brown, beige, green, blue and pink. Light beige latex is used to clean the root canals, as it is not very thick and transparent enough for the dentist to assess the degree of tooth damage. Blue and green material is used during crown restoration, in which good adhesion of fillings to the treated surface is important. Dark beige and gray material also gives an opportunity to get a good contrast.

As you can see, the presented product differs in variety, that is why the dentist has a great opportunity to choose the necessary lining, depending on the procedure.

How to use the product correctly?

The imposition of a cofferdam is considered a simple procedure. However, the dentist can not produce it. To do this, he needs an assistant. At the same time the curtain is installed in just a few minutes.

In addition, there are some subtleties of the product:

• The powdered side of the film must be facing the doctor. But the smooth surface comes into contact with the membranes of the oral cavity. Only in this case the risk of allergic reaction in the patient decreases. In addition, this laying promotes good adhesion between the doctor's fingers and the surface of the cofferdam.
• The dentist chooses which way to apply the material. For example, if it is necessary to restore molars, it is better to use the technique of "wings".

Before using such a product in everyday work, the doctor must learn how to properly fix it in the mouth. That is, some skill is needed.

How to prevent the occurrence of side effects?

Latex is a synthetic material that is not always well tolerated by the body. In some cases, it is capable of causing an allergic reaction. Sometimes the negative consequences are caused not by the rubber itself, but by talc, which it pours for storage.

Recently, manufacturers have taken into account the wishes of experts and began to produce material without this powder. That is, the latex is repeatedly treated with a liquid. In addition, now you can buy modern dental materials based on silicone.

Their disadvantage is only that they have a little less elasticity than latex. However, in the rest, silicone is in no way inferior.

In what cases it can not be used?

Cofferdam in dentistry is a very useful thing, but it is not always used. There are cases when its use is meaningless:

• During the restoration of crowns, which are fixed bridges, as well as after the installation of braces.
• If the patient has a special anatomical structure of the jaw that does not allow the use of a latex patch.
• With a small amount of restoration work.
• Treatment of subgingival caries.

In principle, the cofferdam is a very convenient device that only facilitates the work of the dentist and the life of the patient. Therefore, he should ask if the doctor has such material. Be healthy!