Gingival displacement: Survey results of dentists' practice procedures.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM A high percentage of fixed prosthodontic restorations require a subgingival margin placement, which requires the practice of gingival displacement or a deflection procedure to replicate the margins in impression. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to learn the different gingival displacement techniques that are currently used by dentists in their practice and to compare the current concepts of gingival displacement with previously published articles. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey of questions pertaining to gingival deflection methods was distributed as part of continuing education (CE) course material to dentists attending CE meetings in 7 states in the U.S. and 1 Canadian province. Question topics included initial patient assessment procedures, gingival displacement methods, dentist's knowledge and assessment of systemic manifestations, and brand names of materials used. RESULTS Ninety-four percent of the participants were general practitioners with 24.11 ± 12.5 years of experience. Ninety-two percent used gingival displacement cords, while 20.2% used a soft tissue laser and 32% used electrosurgery as an adjunct. Sixty percent of the dentists used displacement cords impregnated with a medicament. Of the preimpregnated cords, 29% were impregnated with epinephrine, 13% with aluminum chloride, and 18% with aluminum potassium sulfate. CONCLUSION The study showed a steady decrease compared with results of previously published articles in the use of epinephrine as a gingival deflection medicament.