A method and a device for effecting the cordless retraction of the gingival sulcus tissue that includes a cap or dam to be fitted onto a tooth. The well of the cap is pre-filled with a predetermined amount of a flowable non-setting kaolin based retraction material having a heavy viscosity or putty consistency. The preloaded cap is fitted to a prepared tooth so that when pressure is applied onto the cap, the retraction material is displaced under pressure and forced to flow into the sulcus, causing the gingival tissue to retract away from the tooth to enlarge the gingival sulcus. An internal ridge aids in retaining the retraction material within the cap.
