The present invention is concerned with a chemically impregnated absorbent gingival retraction cord that is resistant to degradation, comprising: a retraction cord (34), wherein the retraction cord (34) comprises silk； and an active agent impregnated within the retraction cord (34), wherein the retraction cord (34) resists degradation by the active agent. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a chemically impregnated absorbent gingival retraction cord that is resistant to degradation, comprising: providing a retraction cord comprising one or more strands, the one or more strands forming a retraction cord, wherein the retraction cord comprises silk； and impregnating an active agent within the retraction cord, wherein the retraction cord resists degradation by the active agent.
