Prevention of rubber dam hypersensitivity

Abstract

This report presents a case involving a patient with hypersensitivities to various chemicals found in rubber products. The patient presented with pain in tooth #31 which necessitated nonsurgical root canal therapy. Being uncertain whether the rubber dam material used in our dental clinic contained any of the chemical compounds to which the patient was allergic, a substitution of the rubber dam was necessary. The patient stated that he had used a latex surgical glove in his practice of dermatology without experiencing an allergic reaction. a latex surgical glove was selected as an alternative rubber dam material. A 4×4-inch gauze pad was placed between the glove material and the tissue as an added precaution to prevent any direct contact in case the glove did contain a contact-sensitizing chemical compound. The patient did not experience any dermatological complications and the root canal therapy was completed.