Abstract: A dispenser for a quantity of a retraction cord where the cord is impregnated with a medicinal substance. The outer free end of the cord is conducted through an outlet hole formed within a cover which closes the access opening into the internal chamber of the housing where the cord stored. A lid is mounted on the cover with this lid including a cutting blade. This lid is movable between an open and a closed position and when in the open position the free outer end of the cord can be pulled from the dispenser a desired amount. As the lid is closed, the cutting blade severs the cord permitting the severed strand of the cord to be utilized. The remaining cord within the dispenser is closed to the ambient thereby keeping the stored cord in the dispenser from contamination.

Abstract: The method of impregnating and the apparatus for impregnating a thin cord with a medicinal solution with the cord to be used in the dental field as an appliance for gingival retraction in conjunction with the teeth of a human being. The cord is immersed in a bath of the medicinal solution, moved from the bath to a squeezing roller assembly so that the medicinal solution evenly permeates the cord, removing excess solution, drying the cord and winding the cord on a wind-up reel prior to being dispensed to the consumer.