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Retraction cord packer
Also called: cord packing instrument, gingival cord packer
A thin blunt tool that tucks retraction cord into the gum around a prepared tooth.
Before an impression or scan for a crown, the gum is gently pushed away from the edge of the preparation with retraction cord (a thin string). The cord packer has a thin, blunt, often serrated tip that tucks the cord into the sulcus without cutting the tissue.
How to spot it
- A thin, blunt, rounded or flat tip, often finely serrated; no sharp edge or point.
What it is used for
- Placing retraction cord for crown impressions or scans.
Safety and care
- Semicritical item (it touches the inside of the mouth): clean it, package it and heat-sterilize it after every patient.
Related
Sources: Spear Education. 7 Steps to Using Retraction Cord When Making Impressions