Rubber Dam Placement and Removal Flashcards
7 cards from real EFDA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Rubber Dam Placement and Removal flashcards as text
For a patient with a confirmed latex allergy, which rubber dam material should be used?
Answer: Silicone or polyurethane non-latex dental dam
Non-latex dams made from silicone or polyurethane are commercially available and must be used for latex-allergic patients to prevent Type I hypersensitivity reactions.
In what correct sequence are the components of the rubber dam system removed after the procedure?
Answer: Clamp → dam material → frame
The clamp is released first with forceps to relieve tension, the cut dam material is then removed from the teeth, and the frame is removed last.
When isolating a single quadrant for a Class II posterior restoration, how many teeth are typically included in the rubber dam isolation?
Answer: Three to five teeth including the operative tooth and surrounding teeth
Isolating three to five teeth provides adequate access, visibility, and working space while maintaining a dry field for the proximal restoration.
The split dam technique is used primarily when:
Answer: A standard clamp cannot be placed, such as when working near a fixed bridge pontic
The split dam technique places two separate pieces of dam material and uses floss ligatures rather than a clamp, making it useful in areas where a clamp cannot be seated.
Which of the following is a contraindication to rubber dam placement?
Answer: A patient with severe nasal obstruction who cannot breathe through the nose
Severe nasal obstruction (from chronic congestion, asthma, or other conditions) prevents the patient from breathing comfortably with the rubber dam covering the mouth.
After the rubber dam is removed, the EFDA's most important immediate responsibility is to:
Answer: Inspect the dam and count all pieces to confirm nothing remains in the patient's mouth
All pieces of the removed dam must be accounted for by inspecting the material to ensure no fragments were inadvertently left in the oral cavity or swallowed.
When punching multiple holes for rubber dam isolation, how should the holes be spaced relative to actual tooth positions in the arch?
Answer: Holes should correspond to the actual arch curvature and interproximal distances of the specific patient
Holes must be mapped to match the patient's actual arch form and tooth spacing so the dam seats correctly without stretching unevenly or tearing at the contacts.