Retraction Paste

Find out why Tony Tomaro, DDS, believes that VOCO’s Retraction Paste:

• Offers an easy and effective way to achieve isolation that's faster and more cost-effective than retraction  cord, while also providing a more comfortable procedure for patients

• Has a superior delivery system with long unit-dose tips that fit easily into the sulcus

When it comes to fabricating crown and bridge, whether you're using impression material or taking a digital scan, isolation is always key. Although it might show my age, I have a confession: I haven’t packed retraction cord in years! Why? Because it hurts the patient. I think retraction paste is a better alternative—it’s less painful and more comfortable for the patient.

Pain-Free Isolation

For example, if you’re doing a crown on the maxillary arch and you’re planning to use cord for isolation, sometimes you have to give the patient anesthetic on the palate. The palate is tender, and a palatal injection hurts. Plus, epinephrine has a terrible taste. Cord is also technique sensitive, and there’s a risk of tearing the attached gingiva when you pack the cord.

Although there are similar products available, what distinguishes VOCO’s Retraction Paste is the delivery system—it’s incredible. It has an extra-long unit dose with a very fine flexible tip that fits nicely in the sulcus, allowing me to lay a very thin bead around the preparation for isolation.

The interesting thing is that when you first apply this Retraction Paste, it comes out similar to cord, but then as it stabilizes, it tends to expand a little. This 2-stage viscosity is an additional benefit. The turquoise color definitely stands out, which is a plus, and cleanup is fast and easy. I believe hemostasis and isolation with VOCO’s Retraction Paste take less time compared with using cord. Besides impressions, I’ve used it when removing temporaries or to stop the bleeding in an inflamed area.

“What distinguishes VOCO's Retraction Paste is the delivery system—it's incredible.”

Patients Notice!

My patients definitely notice the difference, especially those who’ve had previous crown-and-bridge treatment. The other day, I had a crown prep on tooth No. 18. I applied the VOCO Retraction Paste to take the impression, and my patient said, “Wait, you haven’t applied the cord yet!” I told her we don’t have to and showed her the paste, and her response was, “I love that!”

In a Nutshell

Overall, VOCO’s Retraction Paste is not as technique sensitive as cord, has a superior delivery system, and is more comfortable for patients. It’s easy to use and more cost-effective with less waste. Most importantly, the isolation I achieve is excellent.