What tool is used to create holes in the dental dam for the clamped tooth?

The tool that is utilized to create holes in the dental dam for the clamped tooth is a dental dam punch. This instrument is specifically designed for this purpose, allowing the operator to easily and accurately create openings in the dental dam material. The dental dam punch typically features multiple holes of different sizes, enabling customization based on the specific requirements of the procedure and tooth being isolated.

The importance of creating precise holes cannot be understated, as it ensures that the dental dam fits snugly around the tooth, effectively isolating the treatment area from moisture and providing a clean working environment. This contributes to the overall success of various dental procedures by minimizing contamination and enhancing visibility.

Other tools mentioned, such as the dental dam frame, cotton rolls, and dry angle, serve different functions in the context of dental procedures. The dental dam frame holds the dam in place, cotton rolls are used to absorb moisture and can aid in achieving a dry field, and dry angles assist in controlling saliva flow. However, none of these are intended for creating holes in the dental dam itself, which is why the dental dam punch is the correct choice to address hole creation for the clamped tooth.