A National Survey of Gingival Retraction in Hungary

Objectives: In case of subgingival preparation the exposure of gingival sulcus prior to taking impression is advocated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the methods and materials of sulcus exposure currently used by Hungarian dentists. Materials and methods: Questionnaires were mailed to 750 randomly choosen, internet-registrated dentists. Completed questionnares were returned by 230 dentists, the overall response rate was 30%.  Results: Seventy-three  percent of respondents use retraction cord, and 47% use a single-cord technique. Rotary gingival curettage is the most popular surgical retraction administred (44%), followed by electrosurgery (17%). The most common medicaments applied for cord impregnation are epinephrine (57%) and aluminium chloride (21%). Conclusion: Mechanical retraction technique is the most popular among the respondents, completed with epinephrine.This study was supported by OTKA 042584 and SE, Faculty of Dentistry.