Rubber Dam for Adhesion — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyRestorative DentistryRubber Dam for AdhesionNDEB AFK

The primary reason for using a rubber dam during adhesive restorative procedures is which of the following?

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Correct answer: B — To maintain a dry field essential for reliable adhesive bonding

Moisture contamination (saliva, blood, crevicular fluid) severely compromises the bond strength of adhesive restorative materials (composites, ceramic bonding, direct veneers). The rubber dam provides the best isolation from moisture, ensuring the etched enamel and conditioned dentin surfaces remain completely dry during adhesive application and composite placement. Even brief salivary contamination of etched enamel reduces bond strength by 40-60%. Re-etching may partially restore bond strength but is not ideal.

Reference: Heymann – Sturdevant's Art and Science of Operative Dentistry, 7th ed., 2019