Gum retraction with cord versus 25% aluminum chloride gel for crown and bridge work

Comparison of Effectiveness of Gingival Displacement Using Retraction Cord and Aluminum Chloride Gel

Phase 4 Interventional Dow University of Health Sciences · NCT07255976

This test will compare a knitted retraction cord and a 25% aluminum chloride gel for getting good gum displacement, quicker placement, and less bleeding in adults 18–50 who need a fixed prosthesis with at least two abutments.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorDow University of Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Karachi, Sindh)
Trial IDNCT07255976 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Sixty-six adults who need fixed prostheses with a minimum of two abutments and healthy, equigingival gingival margins will be allocated into two parallel groups of 33 each. One group will receive a knitted retraction cord placed around the prepared tooth margins and the other will receive a 25% aluminum chloride gingival retraction gel applied with disposable tips. Outcomes include horizontal gingival displacement, time required for placement, bleeding after retraction, patient discomfort, and the marginal fit quality of the final prosthesis. Procedures and measurements will be performed at a single center by dental clinicians experienced in prosthodontic preparation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–50 who require a fixed prosthesis with at least two abutments, have equigingival finishing lines, healthy gingiva with no bleeding on probing, and no uncontrolled systemic disease are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with sub- or supra-gingival margins, periapical pathology or inadequate root canal treatment, probing depths ≥3 mm, bleeding disorders, or uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or neurological disease are excluded and unlikely to benefit from these interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred technique could make impression taking for crowns and bridges faster, more comfortable, and improve marginal fit.

How similar studies have performed: Both retraction cords and aluminum chloride-containing gels are established methods for gingival displacement and prior comparisons have shown gels can be similarly effective with less tissue trauma in many cases, though results vary by technique and clinical situation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age ranges from 18 to 50 years a fixed prosthesis with minimum of two abutments.
2. minimum of two abutments
3. Finishing line margins will be Equiogingival
4. Clinically healthy gingiva and periodontium.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Sub-gingival or supra-gingival margins 2 Periapical pathosis 3. inadequate obturated root canals 4. bleeidng disorder 5.uncontrolled diabetes, 6.hypertension 7.neurological disease

Where this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Gingival BleedingProsthesis Failure, DentalTissue Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.