Retraction Cords: a Boon to Fixed Partial Dentures

The success of fixed Prosthodontic restoration is largely dependent upon the long term health and stability of the surrounding periodontal structures. Marginal integrity is one of the basic criteria of principals of tooth preparation. The inability of the impression materials to adequately displace soft tissues, fluids or debris mandates adequate isolation. The gingival displacement procedures like use of retraction cord allows the impression material to flow apical to the subgingival finish line thereby exposing it and an area apical to it. These procedures lead to easy instrumentation, clear visualization and good impression, resulting in a quality prosthesis having a marginal fidelity and a sound emergence profile.