Microorganisms Associated With Normal Oral Flora and the Use of Rubber Dams

Event Center BC

Previous research has shown that the use of the dental dam during dental procedures reduces the bacterial load (bacterial growth) in a patient. The objective of this study was to identify and map clinical outcomes of microorganisms and their presence or absence when using the dental dam. A total of 9 articles was obtained through a literature search using search engines including Google and the CSUSB library database. Seven articles were used to quantify bacteria types during or after dental procedures. Clinical outcomes were mapped using Neo4j database principles. Data was analyzed using the Shapiro Wilks at p=.05 significance level. Locations in the oral cavity and on the patient chests, colony-forming units (CFUs) of microorganisms were compared with and without use of rubber dam. The percentage reduction in CFUs during the cavity preparation and restorative procedures ranged from 95% to 100% in the oral cavity and 70% to 88% reduction on the patient’s chest with the use of rubber dam. Similar types of microorganisms were found with or without the use of rubber dam. Rubber dam with the use of adhesive material is believed to be more effective than use of no sealing materials to prevent saliva leakage. There was no saliva leakage in 80% of teeth with the use of adhesive and silicone materials after rubber dam application. The use of rubber dam reduces the CFU’s but the type of micro-organism remains the same. Also, rubber dam application with the use of adhesives decreases the saliva leakage.