Sealing efficacy of various rubber dam barrier materials used for isolation procedures: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the sealing efficacy of three dam seal materials. Methods: Ninety participants were enrolled after obtaining consent. After the placement of rubber dam (RD), a stream of air was applied at the interface area and visualized at ××6 magnification to identify sealing ability. Dam seal materials were divided into Group A: Liquid Dam, Group B: Kool-Dam, and Group C: OraSeal caulking putty substance. Leakage was assessed using self-designed criteria such as sealing ability, retention, ease of adaptability, and removal. The data were tabulated and analyzed using IBM SPSS 20 software. Results: Kool-Dam (Group B) demonstrated superior effectiveness in controlling saliva seepage around the clamp and teeth (P = 0.039) compared to other groups. In addition, it was evident that Kool-Dam (Group B) had greater effectiveness as compared to Liquid Dam and OraSeal (Group C) with relation to the retention of dam seal material (P = 0.039). There was no statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the ease of adaptation or removal of dam seal material. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of dam seal materials as an adjunct material to establish a tight seal over a RD placement. From the present study, it was evident that Kool-Dam exhibited superior performance over Liquid Dam and OraSeal dam seal material in terms of better sealing ability and retention of the dam seal materials.