Chemically pre-impregnated silk retraction cords having increased strength

A method of manufacturing a pre-packaged, chemically impregnated gingival retraction cord that is resistant to degradation by corrosive agents over time, comprising:

• providing a gingival retraction cord comprising two or more strands that are joined together so as to be deformable and liquid absorbent, wherein the retraction cord is silk-containing;
• impregnating a corrosive agent into the retraction cord to form a chemically impregnated retraction cord;
• and
• placing the chemically impregnated retraction cord into a packaging container,
• wherein the retraction cord resists degradation by the corrosive agent so as to maintain at least about 70% of its tensile strength over a time period of at least about 7 days.

A method of manufacturing a chemically impregnated gingival retraction cord that is resistant to degradation by corrosive agents over time, comprising:

• providing a gingival retraction cord comprising two or more strands that are joined together so as to be deformable and liquid absorbent, wherein the retraction cord is silk-containing;
• impregnating a corrosive agent into the retraction cord to form a chemically impregnated retraction cord, wherein the corrosive agent is initially dissolved or dispersed in a liquid solvent prior to impregnation into the retraction cord;
• and
• removing the solvent by evaporation in order to convert the corrosive agent into a dried residue,
• wherein the retraction cord resists degradation by the active agent so as to maintain at least about 70% of its tensile strength over a time period of at least about 7 days.