Rubber Dam Punches & Forceps

Types of rubber dam punches and forceps

Rubber dam punches

A plier-type punch with a pointed plunger and a turning disc: the disc is rotated to the hole for the tooth and closing the handles cuts a round hole through the sheet. The Ainsworth rubber dam punch has 5 hole sizes; the Ivory rubber dam punch works the same way on a shorter frame with 6.

Rubber dam clamp forceps

Clamp forceps spread, carry, seat and remove rubber dam clamps; a sliding locking ring holds the beaks open between steps. The Ivory rubber dam forceps reach around the bow without tilting the clamp, so a clamp can be turned or reseated on the tooth; on the Brewer rubber dam forceps the ring keeps the beaks at any opening; the University of Washington forceps add a spring that returns the beaks between steps.

How to choose a rubber dam puncher or forceps

• Hole range. A rubber dam puncher with more hole sizes covers more tooth sizes from the same disc: 5 on the Ainsworth, 6 on the Ivory.
• Turning or carrying. The Ivory keeps the clamp level when it has to be turned on the tooth; Brewer and University of Washington dental dam forceps are described on their pages for holding a set opening while the clamp is carried.
• One of each. A dam needs both: the dental dam punch before placement, the forceps to seat and remove the clamp.

What are rubber dam punches and forceps used for?

Rubber dam isolation for restorative and endodontic treatment: punching the sheet with one hole per tooth to be isolated, then placing, holding and removing the Rubber Dam Clamps that anchor it.

How BusinessMed rubber dam instruments are made

German stainless steel with a satin, non-reflective finish; reusable, autoclavable and covered by a 5-year warranty.