DANB General Chairside Practice Test

To minimize leakage, what would the operator do to the dental dam around each isolated tooth?

1. Stretch the dam tightly

2. Invert the dam

3. Apply adhesive around the dam

4. Use multiple clamps

The correct answer is: Invert the dam

Inverting the dental dam is effective in minimizing leakage around isolated teeth because it creates a seal at the tooth's gingival margin. When the dam is inverted, it is pushed into the sulcus, which allows it to form a more intimate contact with the tooth and the surrounding tissue. This positioning helps to block any saliva or fluids from entering the isolation area, ensuring a dry working field, which is crucial for successful dental procedures. While stretching the dam tightly or applying adhesive could contribute to reducing leakage, they may not create the same level of effective sealing at the gingival margin as inverting the dam does. Using multiple clamps might help in stabilizing the dam, but it alone does not address the issue of leakage as effectively as inverting the dam does. The primary reason inverting the dam stands out is that it directly targets the junction where saliva can enter, maximizing the dam's effectiveness during dental procedures.