Assessment of lateral and vertical tissue displacement obtained by the retraction cord and diode laser

Abstract

This study was carried out to compare between two techniques of gingival retraction (retraction cord and diode laser) regarding the amount of tissue displacement both laterally and vertically. Also, Patient satisfaction during their application. Methodology: twenty two cases requiring full coverage porcelain fused to metal fixed prosthesis in the anterior esthetic zone were taken from the outpatient clinic of the fixed prosthodontics department – Cairo University. The teeth were prepared with subgingival deep chamfer finish line and were distributed according to the technique of gingival retraction. Group I: Patients receiving retraction with the retraction cord. Group II: Patients receiving retraction with diode laser. In both groups measurement of lateral and vertical displacement done by using the stereomicroscope. also, patient satisfaction was measured by Comley and Demeyer numeric pain scale. There was significant difference between the two groups regarding lateral and vertical displacement. Laser troughing give not only more amount of vertical but also more lateral retraction whereas, P<0.05. For the patient satisfaction there was a significant difference between both groups, with laser troughing give better results.