Exposure of subgingival margins by nonsurgical gingival displacement.

A procedure has been outlined in which (1) gingival displacement is accomplished prior to subgingival tooth preparation and (2) the margins thus created can be very readily registered with commonly used elastic impression materials. Although the technique involves the placement of three cords, the benefits of better visibility and not having to cope with bleeding tissues result in a saving of time during the preparation appointment. The predictability of tissue contours results in fewer remakes and more esthetic and biologically acceptable restorations.