Topical anesthetic gel as a rubber dam lubricant

TIPS FROM

OUR READERS

Technique

for fabricating

Loren C. Christensen, U. S. Army

DENTAC,

custom trays

D.D.S.*

Ft. Bragg, N.C.

Vacuum-adapted templates are often used as a matrix for fabricating provisional restorations and as a surgical guide during mouth preparation. This article describes a technique that uses the matrix as a spacer for adapting a custom acrylic resin tray to obtain the final impression. PROCEDURE 1. Form the matrix on a diagnostic cast with denture teeth used as pontics or with a duplicate cast of the diagnostic wax The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the policies of the V. S. Arms *L~euwnant Colonel, USA, DC; Department of Fixed Prosthodontics.

Fig. 1. Template

adapted on diagnostic

cast.

up. A polypropylene splint material (clear 0.02-inch, Howmedica, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif.) is adapted to the cast either by pressure forming or using a vacuum adaptor (Omnivak, Omnidental Corp., Harrisburg, Pa.) (Fig. 1). 2. Cut vertical stops through the matrix material and block out large undercuts. Form acrylic resin tray material on the cast with the matrix used as a spacer. 3. Separate the tray from the matrix and the matrix from the cast, and trim to ideal form (Fig. 2). Rt?pr2nt reyuf3t.s to: DR. LOREN C. CHRETENSEN USA DENTAC FORT BRAGG, NC 28307

Fig. 2. Template for provisional tom tray for final impression.

restorations

and cus-

-

Topical Venita University

anesthetic

J. Sposetti, of Florida,

gel as a rubber

dam lubricant

D.M.D.* College

of Dentistry,

Gainesville,

Fla.

When the use of a rubber dam is indicated for a dental procedure, some form of lubrication is usually necessary to allow the dam to pass through the tooth contacts. Brushless shaving cream and flavored castor oil have been suggested as suitable lubricants. A thin layer of topical anesthetic gel applied to the tissue surface of the rubber dam provides adequate lubrication and temporary topical anesthesia of the gingival tissues during *Assiamt

Professor, Department of Removable Prosthodontirs

THE JOURNAL

OF PROSTHETIC

DENTISTRY

rubber dam placement. The additional anesthesia can be beneficial when dealing with anxious patients. It is also appropriate to note that while topical anesthetic gels are manufactured specifically for intraoral use, the widely recommended brushless shaving cream is not. Refmnl requesh to: DR. VENITA J. SPOSETTI UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COL.I.EGF. OF DENTISTRY Box J 0435 GAINESVILLE, FL 32610

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