Where is the retraction cord placed around the prepped tooth?

The retraction cord is placed in the sulcus, which is the space between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. This placement is crucial because the purpose of the retraction cord is to temporarily displace the gingival tissue, creating a wider access for the dentist to observe the subgingival margins of the prepared tooth. By doing so, it facilitates the accurate impression of the tooth and surrounding area, which is essential for effective restorations, crowns, or other dental procedures.

Placing the cord in the pulp chamber, alveolar bone, or on the enamel would not serve the intended function. The pulp chamber is inside the tooth and does not provide the necessary access to achieve gingival retraction. The alveolar bone is located below the gums and is not relevant to the procedure of retraction. Lastly, placing it on the enamel would not effectively displace the gum tissue or provide the necessary visibility of the tooth margins. Therefore, the sulcus is the appropriate and correct location for the retraction cord.