Clinical Overview
Ultrapak™ is a plain (non‑impregnated) knitted retraction cord made of 100 % cotton loops that compress on placement and then expand to exert gentle, continuous outward force. Its interlocking-loop structure facilitates easy packing into the sulcus, fluid absorption, and stable retention—making it superior to braided or twisted cords for tissue management. Optimal displacement is typically achieved within 3–8 minutes.
Key Benefits
- Knitted-loop construction: Compresses during insertion then expands to maintain gentle outward pressure—enhancing sulcular retraction.
- Flexible and packable: Easily inserted into narrow sulci; durable and non-entangling around rotary instruments.
- High fluid absorbency: Absorbs sulcular fluid and hemostatic agents efficiently—enhancing field control.
- Ideal for esthetic procedures: Size #0 suits lower anteriors, veneers, and Class III–V margin access.
- CleanCut dispensing bottle: Integrated high-carbon blade and printed ruler allow precise cutting and measurement; gate prevents cord from falling into bottle.
Kit Contents
- 1 × bottle containing ~8 ft (≈ 2.44 m) of size #0 Ultrapak™ plain knitted cord
- CleanCut cap featuring cutter blade and measurement ruler
Application Protocol & Timing
- Cut desired length using the integrated blade and guide measurement from the cap ruler.
- Optionally soak cord in hemostatic agent (e.g., aluminum chloride or chlorhexidine). Avoid ferric sulfate with epinephrine cords.
- Using a slim packing instrument, gently insert cord into the sulcus until compression is evident.
- Allow cord to remain in place for approximately 3–8 minutes (typically ~5 minutes) to allow full expansion and tissue displacement.
- Remove cord carefully, rinse field, dry, and verify margin exposure and tissue displacement.
- Proceed with impression-taking, adhesive placement, or restorative workflow on a clean, dry field.
Indications
- Subgingival margin exposure for veneers, crowns, inlay/onlay, especially in lower anterior or narrow tissue cases
- Thin or friable gingival tissues where gentle tissue displacement is required
- Inner cord in double‑cord technique when additional lateral expansion is needed.
Instructions for Use
- Cut the appropriate length of cord using the CleanCut cap blade, measuring with the printed ruler.
- Optionally saturate with a compatible hemostatic solution (aluminum chloride or chlorhexidine).
- Gently pack the cord into the sulcus using a narrow packing instrument until compression is noted.
- Allow 3–8 minutes for cord expansion to displace tissue adequately.
- Carefully remove cord; rinse and dry the field, confirming margin exposure.
- Proceed promptly with impression, adhesive protocol, or restoration placement.
Summary
Ultradent Ultrapak™ Knitted Retraction Cord Size #0 (Ref. 131) offers precise, reliable gingival displacement through its knitted cotton design. High absorbency, flexible packing, and non-entangling structure make it ideal for anterior esthetic procedures and finer sulci. Delivered in an 8 ft CleanCut bottle for efficient use, it supports predictable impressions, boundary exposure, and restorative outcomes.
