Preface

The key to the success of dental treatment is the prevention of cross-infection, protection of the working field with rubber dam sheets from saliva and disinfectant solutions, as well as from accidental traumatization of the oral mucosa. Despite the simplicity and versatility of the invention, the “rubber dam system” was not widely used for a long time due to the imperfection of dental equipment and the level of development of dentistry. At the very beginning of the invention, latex sheets were extremely expensive and were not available for mass use. Modern industrial production has created medical products made of latex rubber, including rubber dam sheets, quite affordable for widespread use.

The basis of the rubber dam system is a thin elastic sheet for tooth isolation, in which holes of various diameters are created using a special set of instruments. The rubber dam is more than 100 years old, but the isolation of the working field is still a burning question for most dentists.

Infection control is central to effective and quality dental treatment. Numerous studies have proven the influence of microorganisms and other biological factors of the oral cavity on the development, course and outcome of dental pathologies such as dental caries, pulp and periapical diseases. Aesthetic restoration of teeth with modern composite materials involves the use of adhesive systems and long working time, which requires isolation of the tooth to exclude the ingress of oral fluid into the working field. When performing endodontic treatment, the important tasks of isolation are the exclusion of repeated infection of the root canal with oral microorganisms, prevention of chemical impact of irrigating solutions (sodium hypochlorite, EDTA) on oral mucous membranes. Since the main aspect in modern dental treatment is the creation of a dry working field, it is necessary to know about the biology of the oral cavity, as well as saliva, oral and gingival fluids and their influence on oral health and dental treatment. Isolation of the working field creates aseptic conditions, which undoubtedly increases manual control and the effectiveness of the therapy performed.

This tutorial guide is intended to create the necessary theoretical basis for the subsequent practical use of techniques for working with the rubber dam system in clinical practice. The book will be useful for students, residents, postgraduates, as well as experienced specialists who want to include the use of the rubber dam system in their daily practice.

Some chapters of the guide include quick reference QR codes, providing access to more detailed information on specific topics of oral isolation (videos). The content of the publication reflects the provisions of the current clinical guidelines and allows their application in clinical practice.

A.V. Mitronin, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences