Assessment of aluminum chloride retraction cords, expasyl, and tetrahydrozoline-soaked retraction systems in gingival retraction

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess different gingival displacement systems such as aluminum chloride retraction cords, expasyl, and tetrahydrozoline-soaked retraction cord to record intracrevicular margins of tooth preparations. Materials and Methods: This study included 60 patients. Patients were divided into four groups of 15 each. In group I, aluminum chloride retraction cords, in group II expasyl, in group III tetrahydrozoline-soaked retraction cord, and in group IV no retraction cord were used. Results: The mean gingival displacement (μm) in group I was 825.6, in group II was 482.1, in group III was 742.3, and in group IV was 214.8. Significant difference was seen in between groups by one-way analysis of variance as P < 0.05. Post hoc Tukey analysis showed significant difference during multiple comparison between groups. Conclusion: Authors found that maximum gingival retraction was achieved with aluminum chloride retraction cords followed by tetrahydrozoline and expasyl.