MDA Chapter 36 Moisture Control

Saliva Ejector

Small, straw-shaped oral evacuator, used in less evasive dental procedures

High-Volume Evacuator

used to remove saliva, blood, water, and debris during a procedure; to retract the tongue and cheek from field of operation; to reduce the bacterial aerosol caused by high-speed handpiece

Moisture Control

Keeping the operating field free of excess water, saliva, blood, tooth fragments, and excess dental materials; one of dental assistant's primary responsibilities chairside

Air-Water Syringe

Used for convenience and accuracy when rinsing the oral cavity

Guidelines For Using Air-Water Syringe

Direct syringe tip towards tooth being treated with a close distance; blow air on the mouth mirror to keep water from obstructing view; rinse and dry site when handpiece stops

Isolation of Teeth

Provides optimum results in dental procedures, keeping the tooth, quadrant, or arch dry and isolated

Teeth Isolation Techniques

Cotton roll isolation; dry angles; dental dam

Cotton Roll Isolation

Placed close to the working field to absorb excess water

Dry Angles

Pad placed on salivary gland to block flow of saliva

Dental Dam

Provides a barrier and should be routinely used for dental procedures

Dental Dam Steps

1. Mark holes 2. punch holes 3. dentist clamps tooth (floss tied to clamp to prevent swallowing) 4. stretch dam over tooth 5. place frame

Plastic Frame Is Used:

in endodontics; radiolucent

Young's Frame

Stainless steel dental dam frame

Dental Dam Napkin

placed between the patient's face and dam. Increases patient comfort and absorbs moisture

Lubricants

Lubricants can be used when dam is placed; one is used on patient's lips for comfort (zinc oxide or petroleum jelly), other is water soluble and goes on the underside of dam to help slide over teeth

Dam Punch

Makes a hole as it strikes an opening in the punch plate

Dental Dam Stamp

Used with inkpad to mark dental dam with predetermined markings

Dental Dam Forceps

Used to hold dental dam clamps; fits into holes in the clamps

Dental Dam Clamps

Primary means of anchoring and stabilizing the dental dam

Bow

Rounded portion of the clamp

Jaws

Section of the clamp that encircle the tooth (on the cervical area) and shaped into four prongs

Winged Clamp

Designed with extra extensions to help retain the dental dam

Stylus

Cutting tip