Isolation Without Frustration

Whether taking an analog or digital impression, cementing a crown or bridge, or preparing to place a resin filling near the gingival sulcus, managing soft tissues and moisture is key. Unfortunately, achieving these goals can be a frustrating ordeal for both practitioners and their patients—especially when relying on traditional isolation techniques.

Tony Tomaro, DDS, an expert in restorative and esthetic dentistry based in Naples, FL, shared that there are a few reasons why he hasn’t used a retraction cord in years. “The biggest frustration is that if you have severe inflammation or bleeding, it can take multiple cords to achieve hemostasis,” he explained. According to Dr. Tomaro, other drawbacks of retraction cords include the risk of damaging the epithelial attachment during packing, as well as the occasional need to inject anesthesia into the palate, both of which can cause significant pain and discomfort. Of course, there’s also the “horrible” taste of epinephrine.

For most clinical situations that require isolation, Dr. Tomaro relies on a single solution: VOCO Retraction Paste. Featuring an active ingredient of aluminum chloride, application of this astringent paste predictably and quickly ensures temporary widening and drying of the gingival sulcus. In Dr. Tomaro’s experience, VOCO Retraction Paste is a “great material” that not only makes retraction and hemostasis easier and more comfortable for patients, but also saves valuable chair time in every procedure.

Simplicity from Delivery to Cleanup

One clear advantage that VOCO Retraction Paste offers over other isolation products is its innovative unit-dose delivery system. “The fine, flexible tip that VOCO has designed fits beautifully in the sulcus and the 2-phase viscosity is a bonus,” Dr. Tomaro shared. VOCO Retraction Paste extrudes easily—with a flowable viscosity that allows for precise placement without damaging soft tissues—and then stabilizes and expands slightly to widen and dry the sulcus.

The material also features bright turquoise coloring that can’t be missed against gingiva, plus a formulation that makes cleanup a breeze: “Just rinse it off with water and dry the area,” Dr. Tomaro said. “It’s truly a no-brainer.”

Efficiency in Every Indication

Thanks to its simplicity and reliability, VOCO Retraction Paste minimizes the time and effort it takes to achieve isolation for conventional and digital impressions, preparation of Class II and V fillings, and cementation of temporary and permanent indirect restorations. Dr. Tomaro shared that using the paste alone is typically all a clinician will need to retract tissues and manage moisture, making it a highly practical and cost-effective solution. “Though VOCO Retraction Paste may cost a little bit more than retraction cords, it allows me to have one item in my armamentarium that will cover all the indicated scenarios,” Dr. Tomaro explained, noting that the product’s efficiency and versatility “really saves money in the long run.”

Overall, it’s easy to see why the paste has become Dr. Tomaro’s go-to isolation solution. “VOCO Retraction Paste has been a godsend,” he said. “You don't have to be concerned about discomfort, and it’s more efficient than other methods because it doesn’t require multiple steps—I know that when I place it, it’s going to deliver the results I need on the first try.”