Ultrapak Lateral displacementTravelling microscope a b s t r a c t Purpose: Gingival management is a substantive procedure in fixed dental prosthesis treatment. Various new retraction cord systems are available and used. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of a new retraction cord (Stay-Put, Coltene Whaledent AG) and a conventional retraction cord (Ultrapak, Ultradent Products Inc., South Jordan, Utah) on lateral gingival displacement in continuation with the treatment protocol of the subjects fixed dental prosthesis for various partial edentulous conditions requiring fixed dental prosthesis. Method: Thirty subjects were selected who needed bilateral fixed dental restoration. In selected subjects both gingival retraction cords were placed bilaterally buccolingually by simple randomization method. After removing the cords, impressions were made and undamaged definitive casts were retrieved. The abutment teeth were sectioned buccolingually at the buccal ridge followed by decimal measurement of the width (in millimeter) of the retracted gingival sulcus, under a traveling microscope. Results: Data was analyzed using SPSS version. Paired "t" test was used to compare the difference between the displaced gingival width in two retraction group ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although mean gingival retraction in Stay-Put system (0.528 AE 0.12 mm) was higher as compared to that in Ultrapak (0.487 AE 0.10 mm), the difference between the two systems (0.041 AE 0.11) was not significant statistically ( p ¼ 0.057).

The conventional methods of impression making for maxillofacial defects are cumbersome and time consuming for both patient and operator. This study focuses upon standardizing and simplifying the impression making methodology for auricular prosthesis with the help of prefabricated stock trays for auricular region. The stock trays were designed on positive replicas of anatomical structures, broadly divided into long and narrow, short and broad and long and broad ear. For each stock tray, impressions of auricle, of patients of different morphology were made with plastic funnels of different shape and size ensuring at least 6 mm of space between the anatomical part and inner surface of funnel and master cast was obtained. Subsequent adaptation of wax was done and fabrications of stock stainless steel trays were done. A standardized stock tray for making of auricular impressions was developed. From this innovative technical procedure it is possible to get an accurate impression of auricular defects now by the use of prefabricated stock trays rather than the cumbersome conventional method.

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