Final answer:
A gingival retraction cord is placed after the crown preparation is completed; it is removed just before the final impression is taken.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gingival retraction cord is placed after the crown preparation is completed; it is removed just before the final impression is taken.
In dentistry, a gingival retraction cord is used to push the gingival tissue away or retract it from the tooth structure. Once the crown preparation is completed, the retraction cord is inserted into the sulcus, which is the space between the tooth and the gingival tissue.
This helps to expose the tooth structure and create space for a more accurate final impression. The cord is typically removed right before taking the final impression to ensure that the impression material captures the exact contours of the tooth without any interference.