Effectiveness of Various Gingival Sulcus Widening Materials

Abstract

The gingival-dental sulcus is a V-shaped depression located around the tooth neck; the space surrounded by the free gingival edge, the tooth (near the enamel-cement junction), and the junction between the gum and the tooth (epithelial junction); it contains the gingival sulcus fluid and the dental plaque. The long-term clinical success of prosthetic restorations depends on the careful and accurate completion of several procedures. One of the difficult procedures is the management of gum tissues and gum aesthetics. Their goal is to maintain the normal appearance of the healthy gum. Achieving this goal requires optimal periodontal health before treatment and minimal injury during treatment. The best way to optimize these things is to avoid touching the gum with the restoration materials.Our research was conducted on a number of nine (9) voluntary patients. Gingival sulcus widening is important for the accuracy of the impression for a future fixed prosthetic work, especially when the finishing line is in contact with the gingival sulcus. Dilation of the gingival sulcus is also important when crown restorations are performed in the cervix area due to the contact of the bare material with the periodontal tissues. Among the methods used for dilating the gingival sulcus, non-surgical ones are preferred by practitioners. For aesthetic and functional reasons, the edges of prosthetic restorations are placed under the gum. Therefore, the practitioner should record as accurately as possible the finishing edges to allow adequate edge integrity for restoration. This can be done by dilating the gingival sulcus, but also by providing a clean and dry space. In order to create a faithful mockup of the soft and hard tissue of the oral cavity, the gum around the prepared teeth should be thoroughly checked. This gum should be displaced and bleeding is avoided.