title: Effect of Rubber Dam on Arterial Oxygen Saturation in Children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The placement of rubber dam has the potential to alter the airflow through nasal and oral cavities. Pediatric dentist should be aware whether the use of a rubber dam affects the oxygen saturation (SpO2) in children. To assess the effect of rubber dam on arterial blood SpO2 in children of 6-12 years age.
  
  
  METHODS
  Totally, 60 ASA Class I patients of 6-12 years age, randomly allocated in two groups: Group A: Rubber dam isolation of maxilla and Group B: Isolation of the mandible. A pulse oximeter was used to detect SpO2. To establish a baseline, each patient's SpO2 was recorded every 30 s for 2 min. A rubber dam was then placed which extended over the nose. Class I cavity and glass ionomer cements restoration were performed. The rubber dam was cut to expose the nasal cavities SpO2 were recorded every 30 s for 5 min throughout the procedure. A two-way ANOVA test was applied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both groups there was no significant difference in SpO2 after rubber dam placement with nose covered or uncovered (P > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no significant change in SpO2 after rubber dam isolation with nose covered or uncovered in children of 6-12 years age.
authors.affiliation: Reader, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, PMNM Dental College & Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Asha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nara
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, PMNM Dental College & Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Rashmi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chour
authors.affiliation: Reader, Department of Conservative and Endodontics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth, Puduchery, India.
authors.forename: Jamini
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Narasimman
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, PMNM Dental College & Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Pooja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Latti
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, PMNM Dental College & Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Srinidhi
keywords: Oxygen saturation; pulse oximeter; rubber dam