COMPARITIVE EVALUATION OF HORIZONTAL GINGIVAL DISPLACMENT USING STAY-PUT RETRACTION CORD AND ASTRINGENT RETRACTION PASTE: AN IN VIVO STUDY

Introduction: Gingival retraction cord is the most commonly used gingival displacement material however, it causes discomfort and produces damage to the periodontium. Various new gingival retraction materials have been introduced to overcome these problems. Aim: Thisstudy aims at comparative evaluation of horizontal gingival displacement using Stay-put retraction cord and Astringent retraction paste. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 subjects were selected and 40 samples were made for the study. Samples were divided into two groups,20 subjects in each group) depending on the materials used for gingival displacement.The impressions obtained after placing retraction system were poured in type IV die stone.The amount of gingival displacement was then measured as a distance from the tooth to the crest of the gingiva in a horizontal plane using stereomicroscope &analysed in image analysis software. Results: Among the experimental groups, astringent gingival retraction paste showed the highest value for gingival displacement (0.518mm) and the stay‑put retraction cord (0.435mm ) showed the least value. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vivo study, astringent gingival retraction paste showed the highest value for gingival displacement whereas, stay‑put retraction cord showed the least value.