Question about placing rubber dam clamp

[Mauricio45]

I'm going to be doing an occlusal amalgam restoration (Class 1) on #14 next week. There is no tooth distal to #14. We were always taught to place a rubber dam clamp distal to the tooth to be treated when doing amalgam restorations. So, how would this pan out for #14 if there is no tooth distal to it? Do I clamp #14? The same tooth that I'm doing the amalgam prep/restoration on? It's a class 1 lesion, so I don't need a matrix band; otherwise, the band would get in the way of the clamp if I place the clamp on #14. Thanks!

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[DocPedo]

Yup, clamp 14. A 14-A works well.

 

[Mackchops]

You shouldn't have a problem with a class I. When you do a DO, things get a little trickier.

 

[Mauricio45]

Thanks all. I'm really trying to be efficient with the rubber dam now. I can't stand Cotton Roll Isolation; it gets messy using that technique and the moisture control isn't that efficient.

 

[GobBluth]

It's not always practical or feasible to use a dam. I really only use them when moisture control is hugely imperative. Amalgam already leans me toward not using it, especially as the prep becomes smaller. And then when they become sub-ging, once again dams aren't as useful. Good suction, a dri-angle and some cotton rolls and you'll be fine. If you really want to place the dam go ahead; it just goes on the tooth you're working on.