Clinical Overview
Ultrapak™ is a plain (non‑impregnated) knitted retraction cord made from 100 % cotton loops woven into interlocking chains. Following placement, the cord compresses and then expands to exert gentle, continuous outward force—creating effective gingival displacement within approximately 1–3 minutes. This performance is optimal for subgingival impression and restorative margin exposure.
Key Benefits
- Knitted‑loop structure: Compresses during placement, then opens to maintain consistent outward pressure—superior to braided or twisted cords.
- High absorbency: Conveys hemostatic agents and sulcular fluid efficiently, improving tissue control.
- Easy packing and retention: Flexible and slips gently into narrow sulci without entangling in rotary instruments.
- Color-coded & visible: Facilitates quick placement and retrieval.
- CleanCut dispensing bottle: Integrated steel blade and ruler for precise cutting and measurement; prevents cord from dropping into bottle.
Kit Contents
- 1 bottle with approximately 8 ft (≈ 244 cm) of plain knitted cord
- CleanCut cap featuring integrated high‑carbon steel blade and printed ruler
Application Protocol & Timing
- Cut adequate cord length using the built-in CleanCut blade and cap ruler.
- Optionally moisten with a bonding-compatible hemostatic agent (e.g. ViscoStat®, aluminum chloride, or chlorhexidine).
- Pack cord gently into the sulcus using a thin, rounded Cord‑Packer until compression is noted.
- Leave in place for approximately 1–3 minutes (typical displacement timeframe).
- Remove cord carefully, rinse and dry the field; verify tissue displacement and margin visibility before proceeding.
Indications
- Subgingival margin exposure for crowns, inlays/onlays, veneers and Class III–V restorations
- Esthetic anterior preparations where tissue is thin or delicate
- Ideal as protective “pre‑preparation” cord or as inner cord in double‑cord technique with deeper displacement when needed.
Instructions for Use
- Cut desired cord length using the CleanCut cap’s blade, measuring with the printed ruler.
- If required, soak cord in compatible hemostatic solution (avoid epinephrine/ferric sulfate interaction when using epinephrine cords, but this is plain cord so safe).
- Gently insert cord into sulcus using a cord‑packing instrument until compressive stability is felt.
- Maintain cord for ~1–3 minutes until visible tissue retraction is achieved.
- Carefully remove cord; rinse and dry operative field—confirm margin exposure and dryness.
- Proceed with impression, bonding, or final restoration while access is clear.
Summary
Ultradent Ultrapak™ Plain Knitted Cord (Ref. 132) offers reliable gingival retraction via its flexible knitted cotton design. The cord compresses for insertion and expands to displace tissues gently yet consistently. With excellent fluid absorption, easy packing, CleanCut dispensing, and visual coding, it supports precise margin exposure for restorative and impression workflows.
