Why do dentists have to put that horrible rubber thing over your mouth to do root canal work?

Question

I hate that, and that clip around the tooth.

They don't do that for fillings.

Answer 1

The dental dam is to protect you from getting anything down your throat. The rct procedure requires a lot of tiny instruments that can easily fall out of the doctor's hand. They also use a solution to irrigate the canals that should not be ingested, so its for your protection. But honestly if you take care of your teeth you would not have to go thru this. FYI

Answer 2

FYI,

this is called he rubber dam and it serves to completely isolate the tooth and prevent any small item from falling down your throat.

Some dentists do use the dam even for fillings, especially with kids.

Answer 3

The rubber dam they use isn't a requirement all the time, but it sure can make life easier for both the dentist and the patient.  What it does is let the dentist have a clean, dry field to work in- almost as good as a little sterile field.  They do take some getting used to, I agree.   However, the dental dam can prevent an infection or damage to adjoining teeth by only exposing the tooth or teeth the dentist needs to work on.  I have had them for filling work, and I must say it was nice not to have the suction hanging out of my mouth, gagging on the water, and then discovering filling material in a cheek pocket a few hours later.  In the case of a root canal, it helps prevent an infection in the tooth after the procedure.  So yes, it's irritating but it's also a good thing to adapt to.  Some dentists like them, some don't.  You can always ask the dentist not to use one, and sometimes they are willing to accommodate you.  But honestly, I think it's better to adapt.

Answer 4

What horrible rubber thing? And a clip around your tooth? I've worked as a dental assistant for a long time and we've never used either for root canals.

We used a 'clip' around the tooth for fillings on the side of it. Root canals are down the middle of your tooth though so there is no need for a clip around the outside.

Did you get a crown over your root canal? Because we need to take impressions of your teeth for that. That's when we put a metal case full of 'tooth putty' in your mouth and ask you to bite down.

If you have serious issues with anything they use on you in your dental surgery just ask if they can leave it out or find an alternative. They should be happy to do anything to make you more comfortable.

Answer 5

I agree, I hate a rubber dam and I have worked in dentistry for over 20 years.

That said, it is there to help keep the area isolated and from contaminating the other areas of the mouth. It also prevents you from accidentally swallowing any of the tiny files that are used during a root canal treatment.It also keeps you from getting any of the sometimes caustic agents used in root canal on you lips, tongue or gums.

It does a good job keeping you safe, but,I am not a fan of having one myself, but I adapt to keep things safe!

Answer 6

They are REQUIRED BY LAW to put the dental dam / rubber protector in the area that they are doing the work on. Why? Because this rubber d**n helps prevent possibly toxic material from going down your throat. Sometimes pieces of material flake off or they drop a piece of material and the dam catches it. Also you could choke if a large piece went down your throat.