Clamping cord with polymeric wedge component, and method of affixation

A method for retaining a dental dam, comprising:

• positioning a dental dam over and around the teeth in the mouth of a patient;
• selecting a length of a clamping cord, the cord comprised of a core portion of a first diameter, and a clamping portion of a second diameter greater than the first diameter wherein the clamping portion comprises fibers arranged longitudinally along and outward of a section of the core portion, the fibers having interstices therebetween, the clamping portion further including a polymeric material substantially surrounding the fibers and filling the interstices;
• inserting the core portion of the clamping cord in a space between two adjacent teeth and proximate a surface of the dental dam;
• and
• moving the clamp cord axially through the space until the clamping portion becomes lodged in the space between the two adjacent teeth and proximate the surface of the dental dam, thereby prohibiting removal of the dental dam.

A method for retaining a Class III matrix, comprising:

• positioning a Class III matrix about a tooth in the mouth of a patient;
• selecting a length of a clamping cord, the cord comprised of a core portion of a first diameter, and a clamping portion of a second diameter greater than the first diameter wherein the clamping portion comprises fibers arranged longitudinally along and outward of a section of the core portion, the fibers having interstices therebetween, the clamping portion further including a polymeric material substantially surrounding the fibers and filling the interstices;
• inserting the core portion of the clamping cord in a space between the Class III matrix and an adjacent tooth;
• and
• moving the clamp cord axially through the space until the clamping portion becomes lodged in the space between the Class III matrix and the adjacent tooth, thereby prohibiting removal of the Class III matrix.