Final answer:
The gingival retraction cord is soaked in a solution to prevent bleeding during the creation of the master impression in dental procedures. The process allows for accurate impressions by creating space and controlling fluids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gingival retraction cord is soaked in a solution to help prevent bleeding during the final impression, which is also known as the master impression. This process is crucial in dental procedures where accurate impressions of the teeth and gingiva are necessary to create restorations such as crowns, bridges, or veneers. Soaking the cord in an astringent solution, often containing aluminum chloride or epinephrine, causes the gingival tissue to contract and create a small space between the tooth and gum. This space allows the impression material to flow around all parts of the tooth, ensuring a detailed and precise mold. Additionally, by controlling bleeding and fluid seepage, the retraction cord improves the quality of the impression by providing a dry and clean environment.