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An alternative way to use gingival retraction paste
- 1. C L I N I C A L D I R E C T I O N S
An alternative way to use gingival
retraction paste
MARSHA SMELTZER, D.D.S.
xpa-syl (Kerr Dental,
E Orange, Calif.) gin-
gival retraction paste
is an effective and
tissue-friendly product
designed as an alternative to
retraction cord placement for
hemostasis. The product is user-
friendly for crown and bridge
impressions, fillings, veneers or
any other application in which
there is a need to maintain a dry
field. I feel that the dentist can
be much kinder to the peri-
odontal ligament fibers by
placing a soft clay-based product
in the sulcus than by placing
retraction cord.
PROCEDURE Figure. Retraction paste condensed with cotton.
The manufacturer’s instructions indicate that the it, and then water-spray or microbrush away
gingival retraction paste is best expressed into a the paste. Use of chlorhexidine in the microbrush
dry field. This is not always achievable, and some also cleans the preparation. Proceed with your
difficulty arises while trying to place Expa-syl in impressions, restorations or preparation
a wet field. completion.
In areas in which fluid control needs to be
achieved (Figure), rather than attempt to con- CONCLUSION
dense the material into a sulcus with a plugger,
simply place soft cotton pellets over the area after I have found this procedure useful because it does
expressing the material and “condense” them not cause excessive trauma to delicate tissues.
with gentle finger pressure. Cover the area with Also, it generally prevents the need to excise or
gauze and allow the patient to close the mouth electrocauterize additional tissue, and the patient
while keeping the area dry and isolated. Wait two perceives the process as gentle. s
or three minutes or, in cases of heavy bleeding, a
Dr. Smeltzer is in private practice at Riverside Dental Clinic, 1101
longer time (about five to seven minutes). Water St., Port Huron, Mich. 48060, e-mail “riversidedental@
Moisten the cotton with water before removing comcast.net”. Address reprint requests to Dr. Smeltzer.
JADA, Vol. 134, November 2003 1485
Copyright ©2003 American Dental Association. All rights reserved.