Laser gingival retraction: a quantitative assessment.

BACKGROUND: Proper gingival retraction improves the prognosis of crowns and bridges with sub gingival finishlines.Use of lasers assists the operator to achieve proper retraction with good clinical results.

AIMS: The present study was intended to assess the amount of lateral gingival retraction achieved quantitatively by using diode lasers.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Study was carried on 20 patients attended to a dental institution that underwent root canal treatment and indicated for fabrication of crowns.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gingival retraction was carried out on 20 teeth and elastomeric impressions were obtained. Models retrieved from the impressions were sectioned and the lateral distance between finish line and the marginal gingival was measured using tool makers microscope. Retraction was measured in mid buccal, mesio buccal and disto buccal regions.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The values obtained were used to calculate the mean lateral retraction in microns.

RESULTS: Mean retraction values of 399.5 μm, 445.5 μm and 422.5μm were obtained in mid buccal, mesio buccal and disto buccal regions respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Gingival Retraction achieved was closer to the thickness of sulcular epithelium and greater than the minimum required retraction of 200um.