Efficacy of Different Gingival Displacement Materials in the Management of Gingival Sulcus Width: A Comparative Study

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different gingival displacement materials in the management of the width of the gingival sulcus.

Totally, 60 participants who were aged 18 years and more were chosen for this study. The eligible participants were those who required fixed prosthesis with at least one abutment. A modified sectional tray was used to make impressions with elastomeric materials along with additional polysilicon using the double mix single impression technique. All participants were divided randomly into three experimental groups with each group having 20 participants as follows: group I-Expasyl, group II-Magic Foam Cord, and group III-Traxodent. Soon after retraction, impressions were made and assessed in a comparable manner to pre-retraction impressions. Image analysis software was used to measure the quantity of displacement of the gingiva, marked as the distance from the tooth to the gingival crest in the horizontal level under stereomicroscope.

The highest mean sulcular gingival width (0.644 ± 0.22) was found in Traxodent group followed by Expasyl group (0.590 ± 0.11) and Magic Foam Cord group (0.528 ± 0.01). A statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was found between the groups. Intergroup comparisons between the gingival displacement materials showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between group II and group III.

The present study concluded that all three gingival displacement materials lead to gingival displacement, which is needed for impression making. Slightly more retraction was seen in the Traxodent group when compared to the Expasyl group and Magic Foam Cord group.

The success of fixed prosthodontic treatment depends upon precision and accuracy in every step involved in the procedure.One of the most vital stepsis making precise impressions in relation to dimensional accuracy, tear strength, etc. It is essential to have an adequate thickness of the impression material along the margins to avoid distortion. This objective can be achieved by acceptable gingival retraction.