Application of rubber dam over sharp teeth or inadequate restorations

We often plan to place rubber dam isolation over multiple teeth that require restoration. This is beneficial for the comfort of the patient, ease of working and longevity of the restorations. However, placement of the rubber dam through the contact point can be hindered by sharp enamel edges or restorations that can cut the rubber dam septa. Also, very tight restorations with overhangs will prevent proper seating of the dam.

When you note these conditions and plan to place a rubber dam, at the very least check the contacts with floss. If the floss is shredded or can't penetrate through the contact point then your rubber dam is likely to do the same. Therefore, these restorations need to be recontoured or the preparations done before rubber dam placement. This will save valuable clinical time as recutting a torn rubber dam and difficulty placing the dam will be time consuming.