Technical Help & Techniques
Retraction Techniques

Dry Packing Technique (With Impregnated Cord)

WHEN USING Original 2-PLY AND 4-PLY CORDS  

2-Cord Technique:

1. Cut two lengths of cord long enough to encircle the preparation with a slight overlap. According to the width and depth of the sulcus, determine the thicknesses required, using fewer “threads” for the first cord that will be packed.

2. Twist the first cord very tightly. Loop it around the preparation, overlapping slightly and with a small packing instrument, gently tuck it down and beneath the shoulder of the gingiva. The cord will unwind slightly and force the tissue laterally away from the tooth. To hold the cord in place while packing, it may be helpful to pack a cotton pellet over the cord.

3. Twist the second cord tightly and repeat the process, putting it directly over the first cord. Again, the cord will unwind slightly and force the tissue laterally. This will create a v-shaped pack, which will provide a physical displacement of the tissue as the action of the impregnation agent takes effect.

4. Leave the cords in place for 3-5 minutes. Gently remove the top or both cords. The area may be flushed and blown dry, if desired.

(Click here for details about ORIGINAL CORDS)

WHEN USING Z-TWIST OR SOFT-TWIST CORDS  

2-Cord Technique:

1. Select two cord sizes according to the depth and width of the sulcus. Cut a length of cord from each size that is long enough to encircle the preparation with a slight overlap.

2. Loop the smallest diameter cord around the preparation and with a small packing instrument, push the cord down and beneath the gingival tissue. To hold the cord in place while packing, it may be helpful to pack a cotton pellet over the cord.

3. Using the larger diameter cord, repeat the process, putting the second cord directly over the first. This will create a v-shaped pack, which will provide a physical displacement of the tissue laterally, while the action of the impregnation agent takes effect.

4. Leave the cord in place for 3-5 minutes. Gently remove the top cord or both cords prior to taking the impression. The area may be flushed and blown dry, if desired.
Click here for details about Z-Twist Cords and Soft-Twist Cords

Wet Packing Technique Using Non-Impregnated Cord

After the cords have been selected and cut to length, pour a small amount of hemostatic solution into a dappen dish. Place the cords into the solution until they are completely saturated, then remove the cords and blot them between gauze pads. Follow the retraction steps outlined above in the dry packing techniques.

Learn Other Techniques Here: