Have you ever been to the dentist and had a thin, colored foil placed in your mouth without knowing exactly what it is or why it’s there? At first glance it may seem like a minor detail.
But the truth is that this “foil” – called a dental dam – isone of the most modern and important protective measures in dental treatments especially when it comes to successful root canal treatment.
Below you will learn what a dental dam is, when and how to use it, and especially why you should be happy when you see it in the dentist’s office.
What is a dental dam and why it matters so much to you
A dental dam is a thin, elastic sheet of latex or non-latex material used to isolate a tooth or group of teeth during dental treatment.
This dental rubber creates a controlled, saliva-free, contamination-free, worry-free environment.
The use of dental dams is extremely valuable in:
- Root canal treatment with dental dam
- Dental reconstructions and fillings
- Internal dental bleaching
- Precision interventions where a perfectly clean field is needed
Did you know…
- According to studies, the use of dental dams reduces the risk of bacterial contamination by up to 99% during root canal treatment?
- Only about 40% of dentists use it consistently, even though it brings significant benefits?
- At INO Dental, the use of a dental dam is standard practice in all endodontic treatments, to give you maximum safety, precision and comfort?
Why use dental dams? 10 clear reasons that give you confidence and peace of mind with every treatment
You have the right to feel safe in the dental chair. And a dental dam is one of the simplest but most effective ways to do this.
It’s not just a technical accessory – it’s a form of protection for you and respect for your time and comfort.
1. Keep the intervention site perfectly clean and dry
When working with sensitive materials (composites, adhesives, washes), saliva or blood can completely compromise the treatment.
With the dike, the area is completely isolated and everything we apply has better adhesion and strength.
2. We drastically decrease the risk of infections
The dam acts as a real bacterial shield – it blocks contact between the treated tooth and bacteria in the oral cavity.
It’s essential in root canal therapy, where any extra microbes can mean therapeutic failure.
3. We make your experience more comfortable
I know it’s not easy to keep your mouth open, especially when you feel instruments moving around your tongue and cheeks.
Diga eliminates all those unpleasant sensations – nothing touches the wrong thing and you can relax.
4. No risk of accidentally swallowing or inhaling instruments
Small endodontic needles or fragments of material can be dangerous if not well controlled.
With the dam, everything stays outside the neck area. You sit back, and we work with no excitement.
5. You have fewer unpleasant sensations – no weird tastes, no gag reflex
The flushing solutions used in root canal therapy have a bitter taste and can irritate the mucous lining.
With the dam, you don’t feel them. And if you’re sensitive to the gag reflex, the diarrhea really does help to reduce it significantly.
6. Breathe normally and swallow smoothly
Many patients fear that they won’t be able to swallow or breathe. In my experience, most say to me after a few minutes, “Ah, I can’t even feel anything in my mouth.” 😊
7. Shorten treatment time
When we don’t stop to dry, rinse or remove saliva, things go faster.
The treatment is more effective and you spend less time in the chair.
8. Avoid fatigued jaw and facial muscles
The dam allows you to use a small holder that effortlessly keeps your mouth open.
That means you no longer feel that tiring tightness in your cheeks or in your joints.
9. Focus 100% on treatment – for a lasting result
When we have everything under control, we can focus on every detail.
This leads to better, safer and longer lasting treatment for you.
10. You feel safe and confident
Patients who understand why we use diga often tell us, “It was much easier than I expected.” And that’s exactly what we want: to feel like you’re in good hands, in a space where caring for you is a priority.
How to apply a dental dam? It doesn’t hurt, we promise!
Applying the dam is completely painless and only takes a few minutes. A small clamp is used to secure the foil to the tooth and the rest of the foil is held in place by a frame.
It doesn’t affect your breathing, it doesn’t block your mouth, and after the first few seconds, you almost forget it’s there.
Are there situations when the dental dam cannot be used?
Yes, and it’s important to know them:
- Structurally damaged teeth
- Severe tooth mobility
- Nasal breathing becomes difficult
- Latex allergy ( non-latex allergy also exists)
- Severe anxiety, where the patient cannot tolerate anything extra in the mouth
In these cases, we choose alternatives – such as liquid dikes.
Liquid dyke – an elegant and efficient alternative
When classic foil is not an option, we can use liquid dam – a gel that is applied to the gums, light-cured (hardens with UV light), forming a protective barrier.
Ideal for quick procedures or sensitive patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to breathe through my nose?
Yes, but breathing remains natural. The mouth is not completely blocked. - Can I swallow?
Yes. Swallowing is preserved. Everything works normally, except that the treated area is isolated. - Does it feel strange?
It may seem unusual at first, but most patients adapt quickly and feel more secure.
A caring gesture that makes all the difference
Dental fillings are a caring gesture – for your health, for your comfort, for the results you deserve. It’s a simple choice, but it makes the difference between a tolerable and a flawless treatment.
At INO Dental, we use this method because we care about our patients. And because we know that together we deserve 5-star treatment.
If you’re having a root canal, filling or cosmetic procedure, schedule with confidence.
We’ll explain step by step how we protect you – including with the help of the dike.
📍 Calea Floreasca, Nr 76, Sector 1, Bucharest
📍 Șos Pantelimon, Nr 10, Sector 2, Bucharest
📞 [0721 584 935 | 0770 699 370].
