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Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punch (17cm) - Fortec
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Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punch (17cm)

$59.39

Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punch (17cm)

$59.39

In stock 45 Products

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Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punch (16 cm) - Fortec
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Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punch (16 cm)

$59.39

Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punch (16 cm)

$59.39

In stock 91 Products

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Fortec Dental Instruments • Rubber Dam Punch

Dental Rubber Dam Punch – Sharp, Precise & Clean Hole Placement for Reliable Rubber Dam Isolation

At Fortec International, our Dental Rubber Dam Punches are built from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel with sharp, precision-engineered punch tips that deliver clean, tear-free holes in rubber dam material every time. Whether preparing the dam for root canal treatment, restorative procedures, crown preparations, or extractions — an accurately punched hole is the foundation of effective isolation. Available in the trusted Ainsworth design in 16cm and 17cm lengths at $65.99 each — fully autoclavable, CE, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and FDA certified, and trusted by dental professionals across Canada.

Why Choose Fortec Rubber Dam Punches

Fortec rubber dam punches are designed for clinicians who need clean, consistent holes in rubber dam material — procedure after procedure. A poorly punched hole causes tearing, poor seal, and compromised isolation. Fortec's sharp punch tips and precise rotating table ensure every hole is clean and correctly sized, giving the rubber dam a tight, effective fit around the tooth and a reliable seal throughout the entire treatment.

  • Sharp, precision-engineered punch tips that cut cleanly through rubber dam material without tearing, fraying, or leaving ragged edges that could compromise the isolation seal.
  • Rotating punch table with multiple hole sizes allowing the clinician to select the correct aperture for incisors, premolars, molars, or multi-tooth isolation in a single instrument.
  • Ergonomic, comfortable handle grip with smooth, controlled punching action that minimizes hand fatigue and delivers consistent pressure for clean cuts across busy clinical sessions.
  • Durable stainless steel construction that maintains tip sharpness and table alignment through repeated sterilization cycles — no corrosion, no degradation, no loss of cutting performance.
  • Fully autoclavable for safe clinical reuse — withstands standard steam sterilization temperatures, making these instruments a reliable, long-term investment for any rubber dam setup.

Start Every Isolation with a Perfect Punch

Whether you are equipping a new operatory or replacing a worn punch, choose Fortec Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punches — sharp, precise, and available in 16cm and 17cm to suit your preferred handling. Pair with Fortec rubber dam clamps, forceps, and frame for a complete, high-performance isolation system trusted by dental professionals across Canada.

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FAQ – Rubber Dam Punch | Fortec Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Fortec's Ainsworth rubber dam punch — how it works, hole sizes, clinical use, the 16 cm vs 17 cm choice, and instrument care.

Fortec carries two Ainsworth-style rubber dam punch instruments, both priced at $65.99 each:

Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punch (17 cm) — $65.99
Ainsworth Rubber Dam Punch (16 cm) — $65.99

Both instruments are the classic Ainsworth pattern — the most widely used rubber dam punch design in dentistry globally — featuring a rotating punch table with multiple hole sizes, a precision-ground punch stylus, and an ergonomic stainless steel handle. The two models differ only in overall instrument length (17 cm vs 16 cm), allowing clinicians to choose the handle size that best suits their grip preference and operatory setup. Both are fully autoclavable and in stock for immediate order across Canada at fortec.ca.
A rubber dam punch is a precision plier-style instrument used to create clean, correctly sized holes in the rubber dam sheet before the dam is placed in the patient's mouth. It is a foundational step in rubber dam preparation — without precisely punched holes, the dam cannot be stretched over the teeth accurately, the seal around each tooth will be compromised, and the risk of dam tearing during placement increases significantly.

The Ainsworth-pattern punch works by bringing a hardened metal stylus down through the dam material into a precisely matched hole in the rotating punch table beneath it. The clean shearing action between the stylus tip and the table edge produces a smooth, round hole with no ragged edges or partial cuts — essential for maintaining the integrity of the latex or non-latex dam material and creating an effective seal around the tooth cervix once the dam is placed.

The rotating table carries five hole sizes of graduated diameter, allowing the operator to select the correct hole size for each tooth type being isolated: larger holes for molars and smaller holes for premolars and anterior teeth, ensuring an appropriately snug fit at each position.
The standard Ainsworth punch table contains five graduated hole sizes, typically ranging from approximately 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter. The general clinical correspondence is:

Hole 1 (smallest — approx. 0.5 mm): Anchor hole only — used when a small retaining point is needed, rarely used for tooth isolation directly.

Hole 2 (approx. 0.7 mm): Mandibular incisors and small anterior teeth — the tightest seal needed for narrow cervical diameters.

Hole 3 (approx. 0.9 mm): Maxillary incisors, canines, and mandibular premolars — the most commonly used hole size in anterior and premolar isolation.

Hole 4 (approx. 1.2 mm): Maxillary premolars and smaller molars — provides adequate stretch without excessive stress on the dam material.

Hole 5 (largest — approx. 2.0 mm): Molars and the anchor tooth receiving the rubber dam clamp — the largest hole accommodates both the broad cervical diameter of molars and the clamp placement over the tooth.

Selecting the correct hole size for each tooth position ensures the dam fits snugly around the cervix without tearing during stretching, and without being so tight it impairs circulation in the dam material or creates leakage gaps.
Both Fortec Ainsworth rubber dam punches — the 16 cm and the 17 cm — are functionally identical instruments with the same punch table, the same five hole sizes, the same punch stylus mechanism, and the same stainless steel construction and autoclave compatibility. The sole difference is the overall instrument length, which affects handle reach and grip ergonomics.

17 cm punch: The slightly longer handle provides a marginally greater mechanical advantage during punching, which some operators prefer — particularly when punching heavier-gauge dam material (medium or heavy weight) where more force is needed to produce a clean cut. The longer handle also suits operators with larger hands or those who prefer a full-grip instrument feel.

16 cm punch: The more compact length is preferred by operators who find it more manoeuvrable for precise hole placement on the dam sheet, and by clinicians with smaller hands who find the shorter handle more comfortable over extended use sessions.

Both are priced identically at $65.99 and both are the correct professional-grade choice for any clinical setting. If you are unsure, the 17 cm is the more traditional standard length and is the most commonly stocked option across dental schools and general practices in Canada.
Correct punch technique is straightforward but important — poorly punched holes are one of the most common causes of dam leakage and material tearing:

1. Mark hole positions: Using a rubber dam stamp or template, mark the hole positions on the dam sheet corresponding to the teeth to be isolated. Hole spacing should match the patient's actual inter-tooth spacing — not a generic template — and positions should be adjusted for arch form (square, ovoid, or tapered). For single-tooth isolation, one correctly positioned hole is sufficient.

2. Select the correct hole size: Rotate the punch table to align the appropriate hole size with the punch stylus for the tooth being isolated. Confirm the table is fully seated in the correct position — a partial alignment produces a ragged, incomplete hole.

3. Position the dam over the table hole: Place the dam sheet over the table with the marked position centred directly over the open hole. Hold the dam flat and taut.

4. Punch firmly and completely: Squeeze the handle with a single smooth, firm motion until the stylus passes completely through the dam. A complete punch produces a clean circular hole; a partial squeeze leaves a partially cut hole that will tear during stretching. Do not rock or twist the punch — press straight down.

5. Check the hole: The punched disc of dam material should fall free into the table reservoir. If it remains attached, the stylus or table may need sharpening or cleaning.
Ragged, torn, or incomplete holes are the most common rubber dam punch problem and have several causes — all of which are avoidable with a quality instrument and correct technique:

Dull or worn punch stylus tip: The punch works by clean shear between the stylus tip and the table edge. A blunted or chipped tip crushes the dam material rather than cutting it, producing torn edges. This is the most common cause and indicates the punch needs replacement or professional resharpening.

Debris in the punch table hole: Accumulated rubber dam cuttings in the table reservoir or hole can obstruct the stylus path, preventing a complete cut. Empty the reservoir regularly and ensure the table holes are clear before each use.

Misaligned table position: If the punch table is not fully rotated to the correct position before punching, the stylus does not align centrally with the hole, producing a crescent-shaped cut rather than a clean circle. Always confirm the table has clicked fully into position.

Incomplete squeeze: Releasing the handle before the stylus completes its full stroke leaves a partially cut hole that tears during dam stretching. Apply a firm, complete single stroke for every punch.

Cold or stiff dam material: Very cold dam material is less elastic and more prone to tearing. Allowing the dam sheet to reach room temperature before punching produces cleaner holes.
Yes. Fortec's Ainsworth rubber dam punch is fully compatible with all standard rubber dam sheet materials used in clinical dentistry:

Latex rubber dam — the traditional material, available in thin, medium, heavy, and extra-heavy gauges. Latex punches cleanly across all gauges with a sharp Ainsworth punch. Heavier gauges require more decisive punch pressure but produce the same clean hole with correct technique.

Latex-free (non-latex) dam — synthetic polyisoprene or polyurethane-based dam materials used for patients with latex allergies. Non-latex materials are slightly less elastic than natural latex and can be marginally more prone to tearing at the hole margins if punched with a worn stylus, making a sharp, well-maintained punch especially important when using these materials.

The hardened stainless steel stylus and precision-machined punch table of Fortec's punch maintain their cutting edge and alignment through normal clinical use across both material types, provided the instrument is properly cleaned and maintained between procedures.
The rubber dam punch prepares the dam sheet — but a complete isolation setup requires the full system. Fortec supplies every instrument needed:

Rubber Dam Clamps — 47 stainless steel clamps at $8.99 each for molars, premolars, and anterior teeth in winged and wingless designs, covering all clinical presentations including partially erupted and broken-down teeth. Available at fortec.ca/collections/rubber-dam-clamps-hot.

Rubber Dam Forcep — the hinged instrument used to place and remove rubber dam clamps safely and precisely. Available at fortec.ca/collections/rubber-dam-forcep.

Rubber Dam Frame — the retainer that stretches and holds the dam sheet away from the operating field throughout the procedure. Available at fortec.ca/collections/rubber-dam-frame.

All four components — punch, clamps, forcep, and frame — are available from Fortec as a single-source, fully autoclavable stainless steel rubber dam system, stocked and ready for immediate dispatch across Canada.
After each use, empty the punch table reservoir of accumulated dam cuttings — these small rubber discs can pack into the reservoir and obstruct the stylus path on subsequent uses. Use a soft brush to clear cuttings from each table hole and from around the stylus tip.

Rinse the entire instrument under running water, operating the handle mechanism through several full cycles to flush debris from the hinge and stylus guide channel. Use a non-abrasive instrument cleaner and soft brush on all surfaces, paying particular attention to the rotating table mechanism and the stylus tip where rubber residue can accumulate.

Dry the instrument completely, then autoclave sterilise — Fortec's stainless steel punch withstands repeated steam sterilisation cycles without corrosion or dimensional change. After sterilisation, store in a dry cassette or tray.

Periodically inspect the stylus tip for wear, blunting, or chipping — the most common cause of poor punch performance. A stylus that no longer produces clean holes should prompt punch replacement; attempting to use a blunted punch produces torn holes that compromise dam integrity throughout the procedure. For full care guidance, refer to Fortec's Instruments Care and Maintenance Care pages.
Yes — Fortec offers free Canada-wide shipping on all orders over $195 before taxes, shipping from their warehouse at 1011 Hualtain Court, Unit 14, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 1W1. At $65.99 per punch, ordering both the 16 cm and 17 cm models together — or pairing either punch with rubber dam clamps, forcep, or frame — easily reaches the free shipping threshold in a single order.

Both Ainsworth punch models are in stock and available for immediate order at fortec.ca/collections/rubber-dam-punch. Fortec's customer care team is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 1-855-790-7779 or at info@fortec.ca for order assistance and product recommendations. Full shipping details are available on the Shipping Policy page.

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