Cordless Gingival Retraction – A Review

Cordless Gingival Retraction – A Review

Author Name : Dr. Samiksha S. Shaha, Dr. Rajesh Sethuraman, Dr. Param Ajmera, Dr. Sayam Shah

ABSTRACT Gingival retraction is a crucial step in restorative dentistry, necessary for creating accurate margins when preparing for crowns, bridges, and other fixed prosthodontics. Traditionally, gingival retraction has been achieved using mechanical methods such as retraction cords. However, the introduction of cordless gingival retraction techniques has revolutionized the process. These modern methods, including haemostatic pastes, gel-based systems, and hybrid approaches, offer less invasive and more efficient alternatives to traditional cord-based methods. Cordless systems rely on a variety of active agents such as aluminium chloride, ferric sulphate, and epinephrine to control bleeding and facilitate mild gingival displacement, making them suitable for both haemostasis and tissue retraction. The advantages of these techniques include reduced patient discomfort, ease of application, and minimized risk of tissue trauma. Despite their benefits, the retraction achieved with cordless methods may not always be as pronounced as that with mechanical cords, requiring multiple applications or combination with other techniques for optimal results. This review explores the various cordless gingival retraction techniques available, their mechanisms, benefits, limitations, and clinical applications, highlighting their role in advancing restorative dental practices while maintaining patient comfort and improving procedural efficiency.