Inadequate soft-tissue management (no retraction/hemostasis) before impression/scan
What it is
Taking a conventional impression or digital scan when the finish line is not cleanly visible because the gingiva is not displaced and/or there is bleeding/crevicular fluid, so the margin is captured inaccurately (or not captured at all). Proper gingival displacement aims to expose the finish line, control fluids/bleeding, and create sulcular space for accurate recording.
Why it happens
• Margins at/into the sulcus but you try to scan/impress without displacement (margin stays hidden) • Poor hemostasis (bleeding + sulcular fluid contaminates the field; hydrophobic materials and scanning both suffer) • Rushing: skipping retraction because "it's just a single unit" (but the margin detail is still critical) • Not adapting the technique to biotype/depth (e.g., deep subgingival margins often need more controlled displacement; some pastes are less effective in deep subgingival situations)
The full clinical mistake entry includes
- How to avoid it — the prevention protocol
- The clinical tip experienced clinicians use
- The documented reference behind the mistake
More clinical mistakes
Dentalverse is an educational resource for dental students and dentists. This page is a study reference — it is not medical advice and does not replace clinical judgment. Always follow your institution's protocols and your supervisor's guidance.