NCT07119281

Gingival Retraction for Digital Scan Data

Effect of Retraction Techniques on Scan Accuracy

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (actual)
• Sponsor: Istanbul University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 25 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The study aims to identify which retraction method offers optimal balance between tissue displacement, scan clarity, and patient comfort, particularly in the esthetic zone, while avoiding the use of CBCT. Results will guide clinicians in selecting the most effective and minimally invasive approach for digital impression workflows.

Detailed description

This prospective clinical study investigates the impact of various gingival retraction techniques on scan accuracy, gingival displacement, bleeding control, and finish line visibility during intraoral scanning of anterior teeth. A total of 32 systemically and periodontally healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of five groups, each using a different retraction method: 1. Retraction cord with astringent (RCA; Control group): Knitted cord impregnated with aluminum chloride (Ultrapak + Viscostat Clear; Ultradent Inc.) 2. Cordless paste with astringent (EXP): Expasyl (Acteon PVT LTD) 3. Cordless paste without astringent (MF): Magic FoamCord (Coltene Whaledent AG) 4. Laser troughing (LT): Diode laser (iLase; Biolase Inc.) Digital impressions were obtained before and after retraction using a Trios 3Shape intraoral scanner. The gingival displacement was measured digitally, and scan accuracy was analyzed via RMS error. Bleeding index, finish line visibility, and patient discomfort (VAS) were also recorded.

Conditions

• Data Accuracy, Bleeding Control

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Group A: Cordless paste with astringent (EXP): Expasyl (Acteon PVT LTD)	Chemical gingival retraction method
PROCEDURE	Group B: Cordless paste without astringent (MF): Magic FoamCord (Coltene Whaledent AG)	Chemical gingival retraction method
PROCEDURE	Group C: Laser troughing (LT): Diode laser (iLase; Biolase Inc.)	Gingival retraction will be performed by using only laser. Cord will not be used.
PROCEDURE	Group D: Retraction cord with astringent (RCA; Control group): Knitted cord impregnated with aluminum chloride (Ultrapak + Viscostat Clear; Ultradent Inc.)	Mechanical and chemical gingival retraction method will be used.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-02-01
• Primary completion: 2025-05-04
• Completion: 2025-05-04
• First posted: 2025-08-13
• Last updated: 2025-09-08

Locations

3 sites across 1 country: United States