Just one new dental protocol registered with the Cochrane Oral Health Group this month .

Ban Z, Jia Y, Li C, Zhu Z, Ban Y, Shi Z. Gingival retraction for fixed prosthodontic treatment (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD009797. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009797.

Crowns, bridges and other fixed dental prosthesis  are often placed near to or below the gum margins so  obtaining good impressions to ensure accurate fit  of the restoration is important, gingival retraction used  to facilitate this.  The reviews aim is to

assess the effects of different gingival retraction methods used with any type of abutment (teeth and implants) in fixed prosthodontic treatment, with regard to the outcomes of gingivitis, periodontitis, aesthetics, and tooth sensitivity.

The full protocol is available on the Cochrane Library