Rubber dam placement
Isolating teeth for endodontics and adhesive restorations.
Time
2–5 min
Anaesthetic
Often needed for clamp on gingiva
Key kit
Dam sheet, punch, clamps, forceps, frame, floss
Note
Required for root canal treatment per ESE/AAE
Before you start
- • Check latex allergy — use non-latex dam
- • Choose clamp; tie floss to the bow as a safety leash
Steps
- 1
Punch
Punch holes matching tooth positions; larger hole for the clamped tooth.
- 2
Try clamp
Seat the clamp below the height of contour; check it is stable and not on gingiva.
- 3
Place dam
Wing technique or clamp-first: stretch dam over clamp and frame.
- 4
Floss through
Floss dam through contacts and invert edges into the sulcus.
- 5
Seal
Add caulk or liquid dam to leaks for endodontics.
Aftercare
- • Remove clamp first, cut inter-septal dam, then remove sheet; check no fragments left
Sources
- ESE — Quality guidelines for endodontic treatment (2006)Europe
- AAE — Position statement: Dental damsUS
Checked on 2026-10-22.
General guide summarised from the sources above. Follow your training and local protocols.