rubber dam
rubber dam — noun
1. a flexible rubber sheet used in dentistry to isolate a single tooth by blocking
a flexible rubber sheet used in dentistry to isolate a single tooth by blocking saliva, keeping the working area dry, and also cut into strips by surgeons to drain fluids from wounds during operations
Dr. Chen placed a rubber dam around Mayumi's molar before starting the root canal treatment.
dental usage: isolating a tooth during treatment
Surgeons use strips of rubber dam to drain fluids from wounds after operations.
surgical usage: providing wound drainage
Brandon could only breathe through his nose with the rubber dam clipped over his teeth.
The dentist showed Tariq a rubber dam before filling his cavity to keep it dry.
The dentist punched holes in a green rubber dam and fitted it over Nia's tooth.
- dental dam
a more specific term used only for the dental application, not for surgical drainage
- cofferdam
an older, less common synonym that highlights the 'dam' metaphor of keeping water out
用法筆記
In dentistry, the rubber dam is often called simply 'the dam' by professionals. The material is usually latex or a latex-free alternative for patients with allergies.