Moisture Control

Question 1

What fluids may contaminate the dental environment?

Answer 1

• Water
• Saliva
• Blood
• Gingival exudate

Question 2

Why do we need moisture control?

Answer 2

• Proper placement of restorations (excess fluids have detrimental effect on adhesion and / or physical properties of direct plastic rest
• Prevent contam during caries removal, direct pulp capping , RCT and adhesive bodning
• Improve pt comforts

Question 3

Give the methods of how to achieve moisture control?

Answer 3

Aspiration - single use saliva ejector and can also help with retraction of ST

Cotton wool rolls - Absorbs fluids and retract lip and cheeks

Rubber dam - Thin sheet of latex and best for moisture control

Question 4

Give some advantages and disadvantages of rubber dam placement

Answer 4

Advantages
- Isolates teeth from fluids
- Reduces bacterial contamination esp useful in RCT
- Pt airway protection from inhalation or swallowing instruments
- Improve direct vision

Disadvantages
- Difficult to communicate with pt
- Pt may dislike it and feel claustrophobic
- Clamps may cause post op pain and gingival bleeding