Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
A retraction cord is placed before taking an impression for a crown. What effect does it have on the gingival tissue?
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Correct answer: B. Displaces gingiva laterally and apically
- A. Apically and coronally would be contradictory — retraction cord does not push tissue upward.
- B. Correct. Retraction cord displaces the gingival tissue both laterally (outward from the tooth) and apically (downward), exposing the finish line/margin for impression-taking. This creates the sulcular space needed for material to flow around the preparation margin.
- C. Retraction cord displaces tissue AWAY from the margin (laterally and apically), not occlusally.
- D. Apical-only displacement does not fully describe retraction cord action.
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