Comparative evaluation of saliva absorbers, rubber dam, and cotton rolls for isolation during restorative procedure in children – A randomized clinical trial
Anushka Choche, Jyothsna V. Setty, S. Arunkumar, Dipali Vetal, Utkarsh Patil, Pratiksha PatilBackground:
Effective moisture control is essential in pediatric dentistry. Cotton rolls provide limited isolation, while a rubber dam offers better control but may cause discomfort in children. Saliva absorbers have been introduced as an alternative. This study compares saliva absorbers with cotton rolls and a rubber dam for isolation in children.
Aim:
To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of cotton rolls, rubber dam, and parotid and sublingual saliva absorbers during class ii restorations in primary molars among children aged 4–9 years.
Methodology:
This randomized clinical trial included 36 children aged 4–9 years requiring class ii restorations in primary molars. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups (
Results:
Saliva absorbers showed better patient acceptance and satisfactory moisture control compared to cotton rolls and rubber dams. Rubber dam provided superior isolation but was associated with higher anxiety scores and longer placement time. Operator ease was the highest with saliva absorbers.
Conclusion:
Saliva absorbers were an effective isolation method, providing adequate moisture control with ease of handling.