When removing a gingival retraction cord, what direction should you use with cotton pliers?

When removing a gingival retraction cord with cotton pliers, the appropriate direction to pull is outward. This technique minimizes the risk of damaging the surrounding gingival tissue. By pulling outward, you create a safer path for the retraction cord to come out, ensuring that it slides smoothly out of the sulcus without traumatizing the fragile gum tissue.

The outward direction allows for a gentle extraction that respects the delicate nature of the periodontal structures. It's important to have this technique mastered because improper handling of the cord could lead to trauma or irritation to the gums, potentially complicating the dental procedure that follows.

Other choices, such as inward or counter-clockwise, would not provide the same level of safety and gentleness required when manipulating tissue in this sensitive area. Circular motions could also introduce unnecessary stress to the gingival tissue and could potentially affect the outcome of the procedure negatively.