Sealing efficacy of various rubber dam barrier materials used for isolation procedures: A randomized controlled trial

The aim of the study was to assess the sealing efficacy of three dam seal materials. Ninety participants were enrolled after obtaining consent. After the placement of rubber dam (RD), a stream of air was applied at the interface area and visualized at ×6 magnification to identify sealing ability. Dam seal materials were divided into Group A: Liquid Dam, Group B: Kool-Dam, and Group C: OraSeal caulking putty substance. Leakage was assessed using self-designed criteria such as sealing ability, retention, ease of adaptability, and removal. The data were tabulated and analyzed using IBM SPSS 20 software. Kool-Dam (Group B) demonstrated superior effectiveness in controlling saliva seepage around the clamp and teeth (P = 0.039) compared to other groups. In addition, it was evident that Kool-Dam (Group B) had greater effectiveness as compared to Liquid Dam and OraSeal (Group C) with relation to the retention of dam seal material (P = 0.039). There was no statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the ease of adaptation or removal of dam seal material. This study highlights the importance of dam seal materials as an adjunct material to establish a tight seal over a RD placement. From the present study, it was evident that Kool-Dam exhibited superior performance over Liquid Dam and OraSeal dam seal material in terms of better sealing ability and retention of the dam seal materials.