CLINICAL FEATURE
Gingival retraction In fixed prosthodontics we use many impression methods to capture the detail of our tooth preparations, from traditional impression techniques to digital scanning of the tooth preparation. Either way, one step in the process is often crucial: gingival retraction.
FIGURES 1, 2 AND 3: It is advisable to achieve good gingival health before preparations, gingival retraction and impressions are attempted.
FIGURES 4, 5 AND 6: Tooth preparation should be carried out carefully to avoid unnecessary trauma to the sulcular and periodontal attachment.
FIGURES 7, 8 AND 9: The provision of a well-fitting, highly polished provisional restoration will maintain tissue stability from preparation through to final restorations. Gingival retraction is the reversible displacement of the soft tissues to expose the finish line of the tooth preparation. It is absolutely essential to ensure that this area is captured accurately and reproduced in a cast to allow fabrication of an accurately fitting restoration.
The gingival tissues can be retracted mechanically, and indeed mechanochemically. The most common techniques used clinically are retraction cords and retraction agents. Although techniques vary depending on individual manufacturers’ instructions, a number of steps can be carried out to optimise gingival retraction.
Preparation Dr Rebecca Carville BA BDentSc (TCD) DCh Dent (TCD) FFD RCSI
Prosthodontist carville.prostho@gmail.com
298 Journal of the Irish Dental Association | Dec 2015/Jan 2016 : Vol 61 (6)
It is always best to achieve good gingival health before preparations, gingival retraction and impressions are attempted (Figures 1, 2 and 3). Tooth preparation should be carried out carefully to avoid unnecessary trauma to the sulcular and periodontal attachment (Figures 4, 5 and 6). If the soft tissues are bleeding profusely after tooth preparation, it may be best to delay the impression stage to another day to allow healing. The key to good