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I06 PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL PROCEDURES

3. To prevent recurrence of decay under fillings,
4. To diminish pain,
5. To accomplish and maintain sterilization of cavities and
canals,
6. To avoid discoloration during operations in canals,
7. To prevent disintegration of cements and gutta-percha,

8. To prevent dilution and spreading of medicinal agents.
The introduction of the rubber dam into dentistry by
Dr. Samuel C. Barnum, of New York City, in 1846, resulted
in great improvement in the technic of dental operations, and
the advancement of dentistry as a profession consequently
received a marked impetus. Moisture may be more readily

and perfectly excluded with this adjunct than through the
use of absorbents. The use of the latter should, as a rule, be
confined to operations on the soft tissues of the mouth and
very short or simple procedures on the hard structures. The

rubber dam is in reality a time saver, since the slightly addi-
tional time required for its application is, in the majority of
cases, over-balanced by the elimination of the troubles,
inconveniences and seepages of moisture frequently arising
during the use of absorbents. Many operators seem to have,
in the beginning, a natural timidity in regard to its application,

and are prone to attempt to dispense with it on that account.
Frequent practice in its use will eliminate this feeling and
result in efficiency in its application. ^
Rubber dam may be classified into light, medium, and

heavy, depending on its thickness. Light-weight dam is
easily applied, but is more readily torn; while heavy dam is
more difficult to handle, but less readily injured. Medium
weight is usually preferred, because it possesses the advantages
of the other two varieties, with a minimum of the disadvan-
tages mentioned. To test the purity of rubber dam, stretch

it well over the end of the thumb or finger, when, if on relief