The effect of rubber dam on objective and subjective parameters of stress during dental treatment in children: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Several pediatric dentists avoid using rubber dam, arguing that it may increase stress for young patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of rubber dam on the subjective and objective stress in children and effects of preferred anesthesia methods during use of the rubber dam.

METHODS

A total of 100 children participated in this study. The selected site of the patients divided cotton roll and rubber dam application group, and the rubber dam group divided also two subgroups as topical and infiltration anesthesia application. Objective parameters of stress of the patients and pulse rate of the operator were measured at three different time points. Pain perception was also evaluated subjectively.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of both isolation method and anesthesia preference (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the three-time points in both the cotton roll and the rubber dam group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that rubber dam isolation is not stressful for child patients and dentist compared to the cotton roll technique. EMLA cream is suitable but less comfortable in reducing the pain and discomfort caused by rubber dam placement.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the registration number NCT06779448 on January 16, 2025.