by Dr Melanie Patney, Wyong Dental Care, Wyong, NSW
I am a recently graduated dentist, having completed my BDS in 2010. Wyong Dental Care is my first practice and I have been working here for about 18 months. Right throughout university I was using retraction cord and I have continued using it in practice.
What’s good about it
I like Ultrapak because it improves visibility during crown preparations and restorations. If any fillings or margins are subgingival, it allows you to see these clearly. If the gingiva has overgrown into a cavity, you can also use the cord to push it out of the way and get a good field of view.
Ultrapak comes plain or can be soaked in Hemodent for improved hemostasis. A restoration has a better ability to survive long term if there is no influence from bleeding.
There are a few advantages to retraction cord compared to a gel. While a gel is good at moving the gum out of the way, it doesn’t necessarily allow you to retract further down. The gel and cord can be used in conjunction to achieve good results; however, the gels are more expensive. I often use two cords during crown preparations—the first cord retracts the gingivae to allow for good visibility of the margin, while the second pushes it out further to allow for better impression taking. Retraction cord also helps to control moisture and protects the gingival tissue from burs by pushing them completely out of the way.
What’s not so good
The disadvantage of the cord is that it can be uncomfortable for the patient, particularly if they haven’t been anaesthetised. It is also a bit fiddly and can take some time to position, but I still say it’s well worth using it.
Where did you get it
Henry Schein Halas.
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