What direction should you turn to pack retraction cord?

Packing retraction cord involves creating space around a tooth, particularly when preparing for dental procedures such as impressions or restorations. The correct technique is to turn the cord in a clockwise direction when placing it into the sulcus. This motion helps ensure that the cord is properly and securely positioned, allowing for optimal tissue displacement.

Turning clockwise creates a smooth and effective way to guide the cord into the area needed, facilitating proper retraction of the gingival tissue away from the tooth. This is essential in achieving a clear working field and more accurate impressions of the tooth structure.

Understanding the importance of this technique is crucial for ensuring that the procedure can proceed with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues and that the final outcomes of dental restorations or impressions are satisfactory.