What is considered the most effective method of moisture control in dental procedures?

The rubber dam is considered the most effective method of moisture control in dental procedures because it provides a complete seal around the tooth or teeth being treated. This eliminates any saliva, blood, or other oral fluids from interfering with the procedure, which is crucial for maintaining a clear and dry working area. By isolating the treatment site, the rubber dam not only enhances visibility for the dentist but also protects the patient's airway from debris, ensures better material adhesion during restorative work, and minimizes the risk of contamination.

While other methods like cotton rolls, saliva ejectors, and high-volume suction do assist in moisture control, they do not offer the same level of isolation as a rubber dam. Cotton rolls can become saturated quickly and may not provide adequate dryness; saliva ejectors work primarily to remove saliva but do not completely isolate the area; high-volume suction is effective in removing fluids but again does not isolate the treatment site. Therefore, the rubber dam stands out as the superior choice for effective moisture control.