Influence of the rubber dam on proximal contact strengths

Abstract

Purpose: 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 μm-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 ultra-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. ©Operative Dentistry.