Influence of the rubber dam on proximal contact strengths.
OBJECTIVE
The study tested the hypothesis that the application of a rubber dam influences the reconstruction of proximal contact strengths, while the corresponding contra-lateral teeth are not affected.


METHODS
Seventy-four systemically and periodontally healthy subjects in need of a direct posterior composite restoration were treated with the use of a rubber dam. The proximal contact strengths (PCS) were electronically evaluated by measuring frictional forces during removal of a 50.0 +/- 5.0 microm-thick straight metal band.


RESULTS
Proximal contact strengths significantly increased from 2.26 +/- 1.45N before to 3.83 +/- 2.34N after application of the rubber dam; whereas, the variation of PCS at the corresponding contacts in the contra-lateral quadrant remained within the intra-examiner variance of +/- 0.2N. Upon removal of the rubber dam, there was a statistically significantly drop in PCS from 3.54 +/- 1.87N to 2.31 +/- 1.35N. Again, there was only minimal change in the contra-lateral quadrant. It was concluded that application of the rubber dam affects proximal contact strengths.
Rau
Paul Johann
PJ
Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Pioch
Thomas
T
Staehle
Hans-Jörg
HJ
Dörfer
Christof E
CE
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016733:Rubber Dams / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C029012:Composite Dental Resin; D003188:Composite Resins; D011140:Polyurethanes