Comparative evaluation of three gingival displacement systems: an in-vivo study.

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate and compare gingival retraction in terms of lateral and vertical displacement with a magic foam cord, conventional retraction cord, and laser. This in-vivo experimental study was performed on 60 patients. Three different gingival retraction systems were used to evaluate the amount of vertical and lateral displacement. The study sample units were divided into three groups of 20 units each. Tooth preparation was done for a metal-ceramic restoration with a subgingival finish line. Gingival displacement was accomplished with a magic foam cord, conventional retraction, and laser. Vertical and Lateral displacement was measured by the distance from the finish line to the free gingival margin in pre and post-displacement casts with the help of a traveling microscope. Stereomicroscopic images of the impression of ×10 resolution were scanned into an image analyzer to measure the lateral displacement. The data analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used to determine the significant difference at the p<0.05 level. Independent group analysis comparing the vertical and lateral displacement within each group showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) with mean maximum vertical and lateral displacement achieved by lasers (0.73 and 0.61) followed by magic foam (0.37 and 0.21) and least by retraction cord (0.21 and 0.13), respectively. Laser provided the maximum lateral and vertical displacement of the gingival margins, followed by magic foam cord, and the least with conventional retraction, which was statistically significant.