HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

During which dental procedure is a rubber dam typically utilized?

1. Extractions

2. Root canals

3. Crown preparations

4. Fillings

The correct answer is: Root canals

A rubber dam is typically utilized during root canal procedures primarily to isolate the tooth being treated from the moisture and bacteria present in the oral environment. This isolation is crucial as it creates a sterile field, helping to keep the treated area clean and facilitating better visibility and access for the dentist. The rubber dam minimizes contamination and also prevents debris from the tooth from entering the patient's mouth or throat. While rubber dams could be used in other procedures such as crown preparations or fillings to achieve a similar isolation effect, their most common and critical application is in root canals. This is because root canals involve intricate cleaning and shaping of the tooth's internal system, where the risk of contamination is particularly high. Hence, the use of a rubber dam becomes essential in ensuring the success of the procedure and the long-term health of the tooth.