DANB General Chairside Practice Test

Which of the following procedures involves the use of a dental dam?

1. Root canal therapy

2. Gingivectomy

3. Orthodontic adjustment

4. Oral prophylaxis

The correct answer is: Root canal therapy

The procedure that involves the use of a dental dam is root canal therapy. A dental dam is a thin, rectangular sheet of latex or nitrile used to isolate a specific tooth or area in the mouth. During root canal therapy, it is essential to keep the tooth and surrounding area dry and free from saliva to ensure the procedure is effective and minimizes the risk of contamination. The dental dam allows the dentist to work in a clean environment, making it easier to access the root canal system without interference from moisture. This isolation is crucial for the successful cleaning, shaping, and filling of the root canal and enhances patient safety. In contrast, other procedures listed do not typically require the use of a dental dam. Gingivectomy involves the surgical removal of gum tissue and is performed in a field that may not necessitate such isolation. Orthodontic adjustments focus on the alignment of teeth and typically do not require isolation. Oral prophylaxis, which is a preventive dental cleaning, generally involves surface cleaning and scaling, and does not call for the use of a dental dam. Overall, the dental dam’s primary role in root canal therapy sets it apart from the other listed procedures.