In vitro kinetic study of absorbency of retraction cords

Statement of problem. The soaking time required for liquid uptake by retraction cords is a crucial factor in the successful gingival retraction procedure. Purpose. The aim of this investigation was to determine the optimal soaking time for 3 retraction cords of different thickness to ensure adequate uptake of the hemostatic solution. Material and methods. Braided ULTRAPAC retraction cords of 3 different thicknesses (No. 00, No. 0, and No. 1) with identical lengths (35 mm) were used. The capability of the cords to absorb liquids was measured by a gravimetric method. Different sulcus retraction solutions (epinephrine, aluminum chloride, and ferric sulfate) were tested, with physiological saline solution used as the control. The cords were soaked for various time intervals (2 seconds; 1, 5, and 60 minutes; and 24 hours) in the medicament solutions at room temperature. Immediately before immersion, air inclusions that may have inhibited the inner moistening of the cords were manually pressed out. In each of the 4 treatment groups, 75 pieces of cord were tested by determining the grams of fluid absorbed by grams of dry cord (gram/gram). Before the cord was weighed, excess fluid accumulating on the outer surface of the cord was removed by filter paper saturated in the corresponding test solution. The data were analyzed by F test analysis, and P