Dental Assistant State Licensing Examination (DASLE) Practice Exam

The most commonly used type of gingival retraction is mechanical retraction. Mechanical retraction utilizes various instruments or devices to displace the gingival tissues away from the tooth structure, providing better visibility and access for dental procedures, especially during the placement of impressions or restorations.

Common methods of mechanical retraction include the use of retraction cords, which can be woven or twisted around the tooth and pushed into the gingival crevice, thereby gently pushing the gingival tissue away. This allows the clinician to achieve a more accurate impression and helps minimize bleeding during the procedure.

Chemical retraction, while also effective, often involves the application of a chemical agent to the retraction cords to enhance the displacement of gingival tissues. This means that while chemical agents can be used in conjunction with mechanical methods, it is mechanical retraction that remains the most frequently employed technique in clinical settings due to its direct approach and control over tissue displacement.